""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.""
In 2025, romance fraud resulted in £102 million lost by Britons, averaging £9,500 per victim. The City of London Police reported a 29% increase in scam reports, totaling 10,784. Older individuals, particularly those aged 55-74, were disproportionately affected. Offenders build fake relationships online, exploiting emotional connections to request money. The police emphasized the importance of reporting these scams to disrupt offenders and protect potential victims. Common tactics include unsolicited affection and excuses to avoid direct communication.
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