Romance Scams UK: Warning Signs and How to Protect Yourself

Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating types of fraud. Victims in the UK lose millions of pounds every year to criminals who build fake online relationships, gain trust and then exploit it for money. Anyone can be targeted, regardless of age, education or background.

How Romance Scams Work

Romance scammers create convincing fake profiles on dating apps, social media platforms and even online forums. They typically use stolen photographs of attractive people and craft detailed backstories. Common platforms where these scams originate include Tinder, Bumble, Facebook, Instagram and Match.com.

The scammer invests weeks or even months building an emotional connection. They message you regularly, share personal stories, express deep feelings and may talk about a future together. Once a strong emotional bond has been established, the requests for money begin.

Common Excuses Used to Ask for Money

• A medical emergency for themselves or a family member.
• Being stranded abroad and needing money for a flight home.
• A business deal that has gone wrong and requires urgent funds.
• Needing money to pay customs fees on a gift they are sending you.
• Legal problems that require immediate payment to resolve.
• Claiming they want to visit you but cannot afford the travel costs.

Red Flags to Watch For

• They refuse or are always unable to video call. There is always an excuse.
• The relationship moves unusually fast, with intense declarations of love within days or weeks.
• They claim to live in the UK but are currently abroad (often working on an oil rig, in the military or doing charity work).
• Their stories do not add up or change over time.
• They ask you to move communication off the dating platform to WhatsApp or another messaging app early on.
• They ask for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency or help moving funds.
• They discourage you from telling friends or family about the relationship.

How to Verify Someone Online

Before investing emotionally in someone you have met online, take practical steps to verify who they are.

• Reverse image search: Save their profile photo and upload it to Google Images or TinEye. If the same photo appears on multiple different profiles, it is likely stolen.
• Video call: Insist on a live video call early in the relationship. A genuine person will be happy to oblige.
• Ask specific questions: Ask about local knowledge relevant to where they claim to live. Vague answers are a warning sign.
• Tell a trusted friend: Share details of the relationship with someone you trust. An outside perspective can spot red flags you might miss.

Emotional Manipulation Tactics

Romance scammers are skilled manipulators. They use techniques designed to override your rational thinking.

• Love bombing: Overwhelming you with affection and attention to create a sense of dependency.
• Isolation: Discouraging you from discussing the relationship with friends or family.
• Guilt: Making you feel responsible for their wellbeing or implying that refusing to help means you do not care.
• Urgency: Creating time pressure so you do not have time to think critically about their request.

Where to Get Help

If you believe you have been targeted by a romance scam, or if you have already sent money, help is available.

• Action Fraud: Report at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
• Your bank: Contact them immediately if you have transferred money. Call 159 to reach your bank's fraud team.
• Citizens Advice: Free support and guidance at citizensadvice.org.uk or 0800 144 8848.
• Victim Support: Confidential emotional and practical support at victimsupport.org.uk or 0808 168 9111.
• The Samaritans: If you are struggling emotionally, call 116 123 any time, day or night.

Being a victim of a romance scam is nothing to be ashamed of. These criminals are professionals who target people of all backgrounds. Reporting helps protect others.