Romance fraud - more than £106m lost in UK last year

More than £106m was lost to romance fraud in the UK last year, as the number of victims continues to rise, new figures show.

According to data from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB), there has been a 9% increase in romance fraud reports in the past year, with 9,449 reports made in the 2024/25 financial year. On average, victims lost £11,222 each - proof of the emotionally devastating and financially ruinous impact of these crimes.

Romance fraud occurs when criminals make their victims think that they have met the perfect partner online - but they are using a fake profile to form relationship with them. 

Romance fraudsters are masters of manipulation and go to great lengths to create a false reality. They provide information early on that seems harmless and normal, such as details about their home and work life. This information is then used later as evidence to support their story and makes any requests for money seem legitimate. Fraudsters can use Al to make their claims more realistic, including the use of Al-generated images or videos.

In reality, the fraudsters have groomed and manipulated their victim into believing that they are in a romantic relationship with them, and appeal to their good nature to give them money when they declare they need help These requests might be highly emotive, such as criminals claiming they need money for emergency medical care, or to pay for transport costs to visit the victim if they are overseas. They may even isolate their targets from family and friends so they do not seek help or advice.

Here at Crimestoppers, we have run several campaigns targeting romance fraud. We also have pages here on our website with tips on how to avoid and stay safe from romance fraud:

See our Keeping Safe page

5 ways to spot the signs of romance fraud

Protecting yourself from romance fraud - 8 tips from a former fraudster

27 June 2025