Finding a genuine connection online can be wonderful, but for some, the experience turns into a nightmare of heartbreak and financial loss. In mid-2025, Romance Scams are one of the most emotionally devastating types of fraud, with victims losing over £106 million in the UK alone last year [1]. These criminals, often called “catfishers,” create fake identities to build trust and emotional bonds, only to use that relationship to steal money. It’s a calculated, long-term con that can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender.
The Emotional Trap of Romance Scams
A Romance Scams usually begins innocently on a dating app, social media, or even a video game. The scammer creates a fake profile with a compelling story—maybe they’re a soldier serving overseas, a successful businessperson on a remote project, or an architect working on a big project abroad [2]. They’ll spend weeks or even months “love bombing” you with attention and affection, making you feel special and quickly building an intense emotional connection [2, 3].
This emotional manipulation is what makes Romance Scams so effective. The scammer will avoid meeting in person, often with elaborate excuses (e.g., their work keeps them away, a family emergency). They’ll also try to isolate you from your friends and family, telling you not to share details of your “secret” relationship. All of this is done to build a false sense of trust before the money requests begin [3].
Red Flags to Watch Out For
It can be hard to spot a scam when your heart is involved, but here are some clear warning signs:
- They Fall in Love Too Fast: The relationship seems to move at lightning speed. They confess love within days or weeks of messaging, before ever meeting you. This is a classic “love bombing” tactic.
- They Always Have an Excuse to Not Meet: The scammer will always have a reason why they can’t meet in person or even do a video call. This is because they aren’t who they say they are [3].
- They Ask for Money: This is the ultimate red flag. The requests start small, for a “family emergency” or a “travel ticket to come see you,” and then they grow larger. They might ask you to wire money, buy gift cards, or send cryptocurrency, which are all methods that are hard to trace [1].
- Their Story Just Doesn’t Add Up: They might have inconsistent details about their life, their job, or their background. It’s a sign their story is completely fabricated [2].
- They Try to Isolate You: They might discourage you from talking to friends or family about your relationship. They want to be the only person you trust.
Protecting Your Heart and Your Wallet
If you suspect you’re a victim of Romance Scams, the best thing you can do is stop and think.
- Never Send Money: This is the most important rule. Never send money to someone you’ve only met online, no matter how much you care about them or how urgent their story seems.
- Talk to Someone You Trust: Share details of your relationship with a close friend or family member. An outside perspective can often spot red flags that you might miss.
- Do a Reverse Image Search: Scammers often use stolen photos. A reverse image search of their profile picture can reveal if the same photo has been used with other names or on different websites [3].
- Be Patient and Wary of Urgency: A genuine relationship takes time to build. Don’t let anyone rush you into an emotional or financial decision.
Conclusion
In mid-2025, Romance Scams are a major threat that preys on emotions rather than technology. By recognizing the warning signs of “love bombing,” financial requests, and evasiveness, you can protect yourself from both emotional heartbreak and financial ruin. Stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and remember that genuine love doesn’t come with a price tag. For more information on other types of online fraud, explore other articles on our website.
References:
- City of London Police – Romance fraud increases as victims lose £106 million last year: https://www.cityoflondon.police.uk/news/city-of-london/news/2025/june/a-wrong-turn-on-love-lane-city-of-london-police-take-over-city-streets-to-warn-of-the-dangers-of-romance-fraud-with-more-than-106-million-lost-in-the-last-year/
- FBI – Romance Scams: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/romance-scams
- Action Fraud – Romance Fraud: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/dating-fraud
- Scamwatch – Online dating and romance scams: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/online-dating-and-romance-scams
- Leverets Group – Catfish crime on the rise: romance fraud up 20% in the first quarter of 2025: https://leveretsgroup.co.uk/catfish-crime-what-is-romance-fraud/
