A romance scam is a type of fraud where criminals exploit individuals looking for romantic connections.
Using fake identities, scammers manipulate victims into believing they are in a genuine relationship. Once trust is established, they exploit their victims emotionally and financially, often leaving them heartbroken and with financial losses.
Romance scams are a growing issue in the UK, with many victims unaware they are being targeted until it is too late.
These scams frequently occur on dating websites, social media platforms, and messaging apps. As we explore below, scammers often weave convincing stories to justify their requests for money, preying on the victim’s emotions and willingness to help.
Understanding how these scams operate is vital for protecting yourself and others. If you’ve been impacted by a romance scam and would like free advice, get in touch today.

Romance scammers create convincing personas to lure victims into online relationships.

They typically build trust over weeks or months, making their victims believe in the authenticity of the relationship.

Once trust is established, the scammer invents a crisis—such as needing money for medical expenses, travel, or emergencies—and pressures the victim to send funds.