Romance scams in the UK have seen a sharp 20% increase in 2024, with victims losing an average of £8,000 per incident, according to Barclays1. This rise coincides with the growing popularity of online dating platforms, where fraudsters exploit emotional vulnerabilities to extract money. The trend reflects a broader global escalation, with men now comprising 60% of reported cases in Q1 2025, though women face higher financial losses (£10,610 vs. £8,181)2.
Key Trends and Demographics
The financial impact of romance scams has grown exponentially, with losses surging 139% from 2023 to 20243. Older adults remain the most vulnerable demographic, with victims aged 61+ losing £19,000 on average. However, younger adults are increasingly targeted—20% of male victims are aged 20–30, often lured by sophisticated AI-generated profiles4. Loneliness exacerbates risks: 36% of 18–24-year-olds admitted to engaging in risky online behavior due to isolation5.
Scammer Tactics and Platform Risks
Fraudsters employ high-pressure tactics, with 39% of victims asked for money within a month of initial contact1. Common pretexts include fabricated emergencies (32%), travel costs (26%), and medical bills (26%). Dating apps host 76% of scams, while social media sees 54% of users interacting with suspicious profiles weekly6. Scammers increasingly leverage AI tools, with 62% of UK daters unable to identify deepfake profiles4.
| Tactic | Prevalence | Source |
|---|---|---|
| False emergencies | 32% | Barclays |
| AI-generated profiles | 62% undetected | Norton |
| Dating app origins | 76% | Barclays |
Mitigation Strategies
Financial institutions like Nationwide have introduced pre-payment verification services, while Barclays advocates for stricter platform accountability—a measure supported by 75% of respondents1. Technical countermeasures include reverse image searches and mandatory video call verification. Behavioral red flags include rapid emotional escalation and refusal to meet in person6.
“Scammers exploit our desire to trust. Stop analyzing—sociopaths lack empathy.”
Conclusion
The escalation of romance scams underscores the need for coordinated prevention efforts. While technological solutions like AI detection tools show promise, public education remains critical to reducing victimization. Financial institutions, dating platforms, and law enforcement must collaborate to disrupt these increasingly sophisticated operations.
References
- Barclays Report (Infosecurity Magazine, 2025).
- Nationwide UK scam data (2025).
- MoneyWeek UK fraud analysis (2024).
- Avast Q4 2023 Threat Report.
- Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report (2024).
- Action Fraud UK tactical alert (2025).
- Yahoo Life: Surviving Catfishing.
- FBI Romance Scams Advisory.
