Romance fraud leaves victims £2.25m out of pocket in Avon and Somerset
Police urge caution for online romance
Victims in Avon and Somerset lost £2.25million to romance fraud last year, according to data released by Report Fraud.
The figures reveal there were 239 victims of romance fraud in the area during 2025.
Romance fraud involves perpetrators building a relationship with their victim before inventing scenarios that encourage them to send money.
These scenarios often include emergencies, investment claims, or plans to meet in person.
Data from Report Fraud highlights a 29% increase in reports of romance fraud nationwide in comparison to 2024, totalling over £100million.
The rise is attributed to increased awareness and greater confidence in reporting such crimes.
Detective Superintendent Oliver Little of the City of London Police identified the crime as particularly harmful due to its reliance on trust and emotional manipulation.
According to Little, perpetrators often spend significant time establishing a seemingly genuine relationship before exploiting their victims financially.
"Emotional impact"
He said, “While the monetary losses can be substantial, the emotional impact is often just as damaging.”
Analysis indicates that individuals aged 55 to 74 are most financially impacted nationally, accounting for almost half of the total amount stolen.
The connection to online platforms, including social media and dating sites, is evident, with fraudsters leveraging these to create false profiles bolstered by AI-generated images and messages.
Some cases link romance fraud with fake investment opportunities like cryptocurrency, heightening the financial risks.
The City of London Police's campaign advises the public to be cautious about online relationships and to watch for key warning signs.
These include rapidly developed relationships, reluctance to meet physically, requests for money, and narratives of investment or medical emergencies.
It encourages individuals to consult trusted friends or family concerning monetary decisions and to reverse-image search photos received to verify identities.
Amy Samotyj, a fraud protect officer from Avon and Somerset Police, emphasised the substantial financial and emotional impact on victims.
Samotyj highlighted the under-reporting issue due to embarrassment, assuring victims "are preyed upon by convincing fraudsters because they are kind-hearted."
She advised careful consideration before sending money or purchasing gift cards, stressing the importance of involving friends or support organisations for advice.