UK Romance Fraud Losses Top £102m as Reports Jump 29%

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UK victims lost more than £102 million (approx. $138 million) to romance fraud last year, as criminals increasingly used fake online relationships to manipulate people into sending money, according to new figures from the City of London Police.

A total of 10,784 reports complaining of romance fraud were made in 2025 to Report Fraud, the UK’s national service for reporting fraud and cybercrime, run by the City of London Police. The figure is up 29% from the previous year. Losses amounted to almost £280,000 (approx. $380,000) a day, with victims losing £9,500 (approx. $13,000) on average. In the most severe cases, individual losses reached £1 million (approx. $1.36 million).

Romance fraud is when a criminal creates a fake profile, typically on a dating site or social media platform, to build a romantic relationship and eventually request money, often with claims it is needed for an emergency or for an investment opportunity. Police have noted an increase in the use of AI to commit romance fraud.

Romance scammers often target individuals who may be emotionally vulnerable, such as people who are divorced, widowed, or experiencing loneliness. The losses of those aged 55 to 74 accounted for nearly half of the total stolen. 

Detective Superintendent Oliver Little from the City of London Police said: 

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.

Police are urging people to be cautious if an online contact declares strong feelings quickly, avoids video calls or in-person meetings, or asks for money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.