More than £106 million was lost to romance fraud in the UK last year, and the number of victims continues to rise, according to new data from the City of London Police.

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau’s data reveals a disturbing 9% increase in romance fraud reports in the past year, with 9,449 reports made in the 2024/25 financial year. On average, victims lost £11,222 each – proof of the emotionally devastating and financially ruinous impact of these crimes.

The data also reveals that, for the second consecutive year, male victims slightly outnumber female victims. However, while more men reported cases, female victims tended to lose larger sums of money.

The 50-59 age group experienced the highest financial losses, totalling £22,108,334. This demographic is particularly vulnerable as they often have greater financial resources, are still in the workforce, and may be experiencing personal life changes such as divorce, separation, or the loss of a partner, making them prime targets for fraudsters.

One tactic the City of London Police pointed to is called ‘love bombing,’ where fraudsters overwhelm victims with excessive affection, manipulation, and emotional control to create dependency.

Intelligence gathered by the City of London Police suggests that nearly twice as many  female victims engaged with suspects for a year or more compared to males, indicating a reluctance to believe they’ve been deceived.

Recommended reading

• Romance Scams Rise 20% as Online Dating Surges
• More Than Half of Online Daters Leave Themselves Vulnerable to Scams
• Romance Scam Operations Scaling Up Globally Due to AI

“Romance fraud isn’t just a financial crime—it’s a deeply personal betrayal that can leave lasting emotional scars. For the second consecutive year, male victims have slightly outnumbered females, challenging outdated stereotypes about who is affected by these scams,” detective superintendent Oliver Little, from the lead force operations room at the City of London Police said.

“Despite this, stigma still surrounds romance fraud victims, often driven by misconceptions that they are foolish or lack judgment. In reality, criminals use sophisticated tactics to manipulate emotions and gain trust, making anyone vulnerable.

“We want to remind everyone that romance fraud can happen to anyone, regardless of gender or background. If something doesn’t feel right in an online relationship, take a step back, verify identities, and seek advice. Speaking up can not only protect yourself, but also help prevent others from falling victim and bring those responsible to justice.”