Home / Crime and Justice / Beware Love Scams: £106M Lost to Romance Fraudsters
Beware Love Scams: £106M Lost to Romance Fraudsters
14 Feb
Summary
- Fraudsters create fake online personas for romantic scams.
- Victims lost an estimated £106 million in the UK last year.
- Police warn against manufactured urgency and secrecy in relationships.
As Valentine's Day approaches, police are issuing a critical warning about the prevalence of romance fraud. This scam involves criminals fabricating online personas to cultivate trust and romantic feelings, with the ultimate goal of financial exploitation. Thames Valley Police described it as a deeply damaging form of emotional manipulation.
In the last financial year, victims in the UK collectively lost an estimated £106 million. Fraudsters expertly manipulate individuals, often encouraging social isolation and demanding secrecy and urgency. They carefully construct an illusion of trust, sharing personal details to build credibility before fabricating emergencies or crises to solicit money.
Authorities advise that a key indicator of romance fraud is 'manufactured urgency,' where offenders claim sudden illness or distress to distract from financial requests. They may also apply emotional pressure by accusing victims of lacking care if they hesitate. Genuine relationships do not demand secrecy, urgency, or financial support. If a situation feels wrong, seeking advice is crucial.
