Romance seekers are urged to be on their guard as they look for love this summer, as reports of this devastating fraud have reached 115 cases in Wiltshire alone, with a total loss to victims of over £650,000 spanning the last 12 months. 

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB), run by the City of London Police, received 8,792 reports of romance fraud across the UK, amounting to losses of over £94.7 million. The average loss per person was £10,774. Reporting is now at some of the highest levels to date, with an 8.4 per cent increase on the previous yearly figures.

Romance fraud is when people are defrauded into sending money to criminals who go to great lengths to gain their trust and convince them that they are in a genuine relationship. It remains a high-risk fraud, impacting those targeted financially, emotionally, and psychologically. 

For almost a third of those targeted, fraudsters spent more than a year using various tactics to build trust and companionship. This long-term form of coercion is then used to engineer scenarios that pressure victims into handing over money. This could include paying for travel, convincing the victim to pay for an item such as a mobile phone, and, in some cases, taking out loans or making investments on their behalf. 

Detective Constable Fraud Protect Officer, Rachel Davies, explains: “We’re seeing growing numbers of victims to romance fraud across the county but it’s still shocking to see increases of nearly 10% in reports over the last year.

“However, we’re aware there will be cases which go unreported as unfortunately some victims will blame themselves or be too embarrassed about the situation. We encourage everyone to come forward who may have been a victim of this horrible and devastating crime, you could also help prevent it from happening to someone else. Sharing intelligence can really help us learn their tactics and increase changes of catching those responsible.

“We understand victims of romance fraud not only often suffer significant financial losses, but also face the psychological and emotional impact of losing a perceived partner and support system, especially after having been manipulated and deceived in such a callous, calculated way.

“If you believe you may be involved in romance fraud and would like confidential advice, please do contact me to talk through your concerns. Get in touch by calling 101 and asking for PC 1682 Rachel Davies.”

Of the reports made 45 per cent of approaches were via online dating sites, 41 per cent were made by social media and 12 per cent via communications platforms. Increasingly criminals approach targets on social media and communications platforms rather than dating sites, as such approaches are less expected. Some reporting also suggests that criminals are using cold outreach methods, for example ‘wrong number’ messages and hacked social media accounts, to approach targets. 

Contrary to common misconceptions, there is a fairly equal split between male and female victims (42 per cent and 58 per cent respectively) and all age groups are affected. Reports are most common from men aged 50–79 and women aged 30-79.  

Stay safe from romance fraudsters: 

It is important that no matter how long you’ve been speaking to someone online and how much you think you trust them, if you have not met them in person, it’s important that you do not: 

Romance fraud is one of the top five most commonly reported frauds to Action Fraud. If you believe you’ve been a victim of fraud, report online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

If you have lost any money, it is important you also immediately report it to your bank by calling the number on the back of your bank card.