Reports of romance scams in the UK increased by 20% during the first quarter of 2025, according to Barclays. This rise correlates with the increasing popularity of online dating and dating apps, which are the primary platforms for these scams. Barclays revealed that 12% of UK adults have either been targeted or know someone affected by such scams. The average loss in 2024 was £8,000 ($10,704), a significant increase from £5,800 ($7,760) in 2023.
Victims aged 61 and older experienced even higher losses, with an average of £19,000 ($25,422) in 2024. This suggests that fraudsters are increasingly targeting older individuals who may not be as digitally savvy. Men made up a higher proportion of both the total volume (60%) and total losses (57%) from these scams. Barclays’ Kirsty Adams explained that scammers are exploiting the shift to online platforms, making it easier to target vulnerable individuals seeking companionship.
Scammers often ask for money within a month of initial communication, with 39% of victims reporting such requests. They create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into sending money, with common reasons cited for the need, including fake emergencies (32%), travel costs (26%), and medical bills (26%). Emotional manipulation, such as exploiting loneliness, also plays a significant role, as 19% of victims admitted to ignoring red flags in their excitement to find love.
There is growing pressure on tech companies to take stronger action against romance scams. Three-quarters of consumers expect more to be done by platforms to prevent fraud. Experts suggest that open-source intelligence and behavioral analysis could help in detecting suspicious activity. Banks can also play a role in identifying and stopping these scams by monitoring customer data for unusual behavior patterns before significant losses occur.
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