What Is Romance Fraud?
A romance scam is when someone, usually operating under a false identity, builds a romantic relationship with the sole aim of exploiting their victim for financial gain.
The vast majority of romance fraud takes place online, either via dating platforms or social media sites, with scammers often targeting people who are especially vulnerable.
They will often look for people who have suffered a bereavement or relationship breakdown, and hope to build a strong relationship with a series of flattering messages.
Once they have gained a person’s trust, romance fraudsters will usually fabricate a story to gain sympathy from their victim, and then ask for money.
Sophisticated romance scammers have often been conning people out of money for decades, leaving a trail of financial devastation and broken hearts behind them.
Victims often blame themselves – but it is not your fault.
National Fraud Helpline is here to help you recover your financial losses in as quick and pain-free a way as possible.

Have I Been A Victim Of Romance Fraud?
Romance scammers are often so convincing that it can be hard to accept that you have been hoodwinked.
But there are a number of warning signs to look out for and, if any of these ring true to your own situation, you may have fallen victim to a fraudster.
Be especially cautious around people who say they:
- Work for the armed forces or offshore
- Work overseas for a charity
- Work as a business person on an international basis
- Live abroad.
Each scenario provides the scammer with the perfect cover to avoid meeting in person.
They will often:
- profess their love very early on in your communications;
- ask you to keep the relationship secret;
- try to isolate you from your friends and family;
- avoid video or voice conversations.
Romance fraudsters will then usually come up with a fake scenario that gives them an excuse to ask you for money, such as needing cash for a visa, medical bills, to pay off debts, or for a business investment.
Scammers will often ask victims to send money via cryptocurrency or bank transfer, or even ask them to buy gift cards so that they can make purchases anonymously.
What To Do If You Are A Victim Of Romance Fraud
Romance scams are increasingly common, and can have devastating consequences for victims. But NFH is here to help you recover your lost funds, even if we can’t mend your broken heart.
Our staff can help recover money you may have thought was lost for good, while offering a sympathetic ear to your situation. We have heard many stories of manipulation and coercion, and our staff won’t judge you – they will simply try to help.
Have you been scammed? Contact National Fraud Helpline. Call 0333 0033218 or fill out our Claim Form.

