Romance scams in the UK amounted to nearly £100 million in losses last year, according to recent statistics. This surge in fraudulent activities occurs just before Valentine’s Day, a time when scammers target vulnerable individuals. Report Fraud, the UK’s national cybercrime squad, reported that 9,305 victims lost a total of £90.9 million in the first ten months of 2025.
DS Oliver Little from the City of London Police, responsible for managing the service, highlighted the emotional toll of romance fraud, emphasizing that it goes beyond financial harm. He advised caution, especially for those in online relationships, urging individuals to verify identities and seek guidance when faced with requests for money.
Among the victims is 81-year-old Doreen Daniel, who fell prey to a scam after her husband’s passing. Her daughter, Karen Daniel, expressed outrage at the heartless actions of scammers targeting vulnerable individuals in such distressing situations. Similarly, 77-year-old Nikki Macleod, a university lecturer from Edinburgh, shared her experience of sending £17,000 to a fraudster posing as a romantic interest, showcasing the emotional manipulation involved in these scams.
Dr. Lynsay Shepherd, an expert in cybersecurity and human-computer interaction, advised people to scrutinize images and videos they receive, pointing out subtle cues that may indicate falsified content. These cautionary measures are essential in detecting fraudulent activities, especially in the realm of online relationships.
Recent cases have shed light on the severity of romance scams, with scammers like Kwabena Edusei and Ben Millin facing legal consequences for orchestrating fraudulent schemes that resulted in significant financial losses for victims. These incidents underscore the need for increased awareness and vigilance to combat the growing threat of romance scams.
