Suffolk residents lose hundreds of thousands of pounds to romance scams
Police warn of rising cases as online fraudsters target victims through fake relationships
People in Suffolk lost more than £400,000 to romance scams last year, as fraudsters continued to exploit online relationships to trick victims into handing over money.
New figures show there were 104 reported cases in the county, contributing to a nationwide total of 10,784 reports—a rise of 29% compared with the previous year. While police say improved awareness may be encouraging more people to come forward, the numbers also underline how common and damaging this type of fraud has become.
Across the UK, losses from romance scams exceeded £102 million in a single year. That equates to around £280,000 lost every day, with the average victim losing about £9,500. In some cases, individuals have been defrauded of sums as high as £1 million.
Romance fraud usually begins with criminals forming a connection online, often through social media or dating platforms. Over time, they build trust and emotional attachment before asking for money, using convincing stories such as emergencies, business opportunities, or plans to visit in person.
Although large cities recorded the highest overall losses, cases in Suffolk highlight that smaller communities are also being targeted. Police are urging residents to stay cautious when communicating with people they have not met and to avoid sending money under any circumstances.
Detective Superintendent Oliver Little, from the Lead Force Operations Room at the City of London Police, said:
“Romance fraud is particularly harmful because it targets trust and emotional connection. Offenders will often spend significant time building what appears to be a genuine relationship before attempting to exploit their victim financially.
“While the monetary losses can be substantial, the emotional impact is often just as damaging. This crime can affect anyone, and by reporting it, victims help us build intelligence, disrupt offenders and protect others from harm.”
People aged between 55 and 74 were hit hardest financially, making up nearly half of the total money lost. While more men reported being targeted, women lost a larger share overall, accounting for just over 40% of the total amount stolen.
Romance scams are still strongly connected to online platforms, especially social media and dating websites, where criminals can set up believable fake profiles. Investigators have also noted a growing use of AI-generated images and messages to make these identities seem more real. In some cases, these scams are combined with bogus investment schemes, including cryptocurrency, increasing the potential losses for victims.