UK residents lost £102 million ($138 million US) to romance scams in 2025, according to a new report from the City of London Police.
“Data shows 10,784 reports of romance fraud were made to Report Fraud last year - a 29 percent increase compared with 2024,” the report says. “Police believe this rise is partly driven by increased awareness and confidence in reporting, but it also highlights the ongoing scale and impact of a crime that often unfolds over weeks or months. Overall losses equate to almost £280,000 every day, with individual victims losing an average of £9,500. In some cases, reported individual losses reached as high as £1 million.”
Romance fraud is a particularly cruel form of social engineering that exploits victims’ loneliness and pity to trick them into sending money.
“Romance fraud typically involves sustained contact, with offenders carefully building trust and emotional attachment with the victim before requesting money, often using stories linked to emergencies, investment opportunities, or plans to meet in person,” the report says, adding, “Romance fraud remains closely linked to online platforms, particularly social media and dating sites, where offenders can easily create convincing false profiles. Investigators are also seeing increased use of AI‑generated images and messages to support fraudulent identities. In many cases, romance fraud is linked with fake investment opportunities, including cryptocurrency, further increasing the financial risk to victims.”
City of London Police Detective Superintendent Oliver Little stated, “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.”
The police offer the following advice to help users recognize these scams:
- “Be cautious of individuals who develop relationships very quickly or express strong feelings early on
- “Be wary of excuses not to meet in person or to avoid live video calls
- “Never send money, cryptocurrency or gift cards to someone you have not met face‑to‑face
- “Be alert to requests linked to investments, medical emergencies or travel costs
- “Speak to a trusted friend or family member if something feels unusual or pressured”
The City of London Police has the story: Romance fraud costs UK victims £102 million in a year as reports surge by nearly a third
