A romance scam is when someone builds a fake relationship online, often on a dating app or social media, and then asks for money. Warning signs are fast declarations of love, excuses to avoid video calls or meeting, and a sudden emergency, travel cost or investment. Never send money, gift cards or crypto to someone you haven’t met. If you have paid, call your bank on 159 straight away and report it to Report Fraud (0300 123 2040) or, in Scotland, to Police Scotland on 101.
Updated 2 October 2026 · Sources: Report Fraud (City of London Police), NCSC, Stop Scams UK, Payment Systems Regulator rules via UK banks
The faster your bank knows, the better the chance of stopping or tracing the payment. If someone is threatening you, blackmailing you or you feel in danger, call 999.
Romance fraud in the UK in four numbers
All four figures come from Report Fraud data published by the City of London Police on 4 May 2026, covering reports made in 2025. Many romance scams are never reported, so the real numbers are likely higher.
What is a romance scam?
A romance scam, which police call romance fraud, is when a criminal uses a fake identity to start an online relationship and then exploits the trust it creates to get money. Report Fraud says most cases begin on social media and dating platforms, and it has seen more AI-generated profile pictures. The relationship can run for weeks or months before any request for money.
What are the red flags of a romance scammer?
The red flags follow Report Fraud’s romance fraud advice. Moving off the app matters because dating platforms can only see and act on chats that stay on their service.
Who do romance scammers target?
Anyone can be targeted. In the 2025 Report Fraud data, people aged 55 to 74 lost the most money, almost half of the total. Men made more reports, but women lost more per case and accounted for just over 40% of the money reported lost. Scammers look for people who are open about being lonely, recently bereaved or divorced, but no one is immune.
What should you do if you’ve sent money to a romance scammer?
1. Stop paying
2. Call your bank on 159
3. Report it
4. Keep the evidence
5. Report the profile
6. Get support
Can you get your money back after a romance scam?
Often, yes, if you paid by UK bank transfer. Since 7 October 2024, banks must reimburse victims of authorised push payment (APP) scams sent by Faster Payments or CHAPS, up to £85,000 per claim, with some exceptions. Claim within 13 months of the last payment. Cash, card, crypto and international payments aren’t covered by this rule, and a bank can refuse if you ignored clear warnings.
Key: ▲ green = covered by the mandatory APP scam reimbursement rule (from 7 October 2024; check the current limit with your bank); ▬ amber = other protections may apply; ▼ red = not covered. If your bank rejects a claim, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
How can you check if a dating match is real?
Ask for a live video call early: a genuine match will usually agree. Run a reverse image search on their photos, keep chatting inside the app, and talk it over with a friend, who can spot pressure you might miss. If you do meet, follow our first date safety guide. Worried about a partner’s past? See how Clare’s Law works.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Romance fraud is a form of fraud and police investigate it. Report it even if you only lost a small amount or you feel embarrassed: reports help police link cases and spot the same scammer targeting other people.
There’s no need. Save the evidence first, then stop replying, report and block them. Be wary of anyone who contacts you later offering to recover your money for a fee: that is often a second scam.
For the full reporting process, read our guide to Report Fraud and what happens next. If someone you met online starts turning up where you are, see what to do if someone is stalking you, and for reporting other crimes see 999 or 101.
Sources
- Report Fraud: Romance fraud costs UK victims £102 million (4 May 2026)
- Stop Scams UK: 159
- NCSC: report a scam text message (7726)
- Nationwide: PSR APP scam reimbursement rules
- Victim Support
General information, not legal or financial advice. In an emergency, always call 999.
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