Barclays’ latest research reveals that one in ten UK adults have either been targeted by a romance scam or know someone who has, as the rise in cases continues to be fuelled by the enduring popularity of online dating platforms.
It’s been 30 years since the first online dating website was created, and Barclays ‘Scams Bulletin’ has now revealed that romance scams are continuing to rise, with the bank calling for more protections for consumers online.
Most romance scams take place on social media, with the bank’s research revealing that 76 percent of people believe tech companies should be doing more to prevent them.
During the first three months of 2025, romance scams rose by 20 percent with victims losing an average of £8,000 per scam,
Barclays also found that boomers – those 61 and over – are the age group most likely to be caught out by romance fraudsters.
Older victims are also more likely to see greater losses, with the average claim at £19,000 per scam, which could mean online fraudsters are deliberately targeting those they see as less digitally savvy.
Attacks also vary by gender, with men more likely to lose more and report the scam.
Among those targeted by romance scammers, 39 percent said the scammer asked for money within just a month of starting communication.
Around a third (32 percent) reported being pressured to act quickly, with the scammer creating a false sense of urgency.
The most common excuses given for needing money included made-up emergencies (32 percent), travel-related costs like flights and visas (26 percent), and supposed medical expenses (26 percent).
Kirsty Adams, Fraud and Scams Expert at Barclays said: “Social Media platforms and dating apps are by far the biggest sources of romance scams, which is no surprise considering how the dating landscape has changed over the decades.
“Romance scammers have taken advantage of the shift online, using these channels to target potential victims.
“Falling for a romance scam can be both financially and emotionally devastating.
“We need tech companies to step up their support and take greater action to prevent scammers from operating on their platforms.”
Our senior partner, Martin Richardson, said: ‘It is typical of scammers to target people who are vulnerable and take advantage of them.’
Find out more about romance scams and how to avoid falling victim.
Have you lost money to a scam? Contact National Fraud Helpline. Call 0333 0033218 or fill out our Claim Form.