As Valentine’s Day approaches, the search for connection and scams online reaches its peak. This year, the season of romance coincides with Safer Internet Day on Tuesday, 10th February 2026.
What is Safer Internet Day?
Safer Internet Day, initiated by the EU Safe Borders project in 2004 and adopted by the Insafe network in 2005, has evolved into a significant global event in online safety, now celebrated in around 170 countries.
The theme for this year is “Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online.” At Oakwood Solicitors, we want to ensure that your quest for love doesn’t leave you vulnerable to fraudsters.
What is a Romance Scam?
A romance scam occurs when a fraudster adopts a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust. They use the illusion of a romantic relationship to manipulate the victim into sending money or sharing sensitive personal data.
These criminals are experts at “love bombing” making the relationship progress very quickly to cloud your judgment. Once they have established an emotional bond, they manufacture a crisis to ask for financial help.
If you believe that you are the victim of a romance scam, then please get in touch with one of our specialist lawyers, and we can provide you with support and guidance on how to recover your money.
How to Spot the Red Flags
While online dating is a great way to meet people, remain vigilant. Be wary if your new connection:
- Has a suspicious profile: Their photos look like professional headshots or “too perfect,” yet they have very few friends or followers.
- Avoids face-to-face contact: They always have an excuse for why they can’t video call or meet in person.
- Lives far away: They often claim to be working abroad, in the military, or travelling constantly.
- Communicates intensely: They declare their love almost immediately before actually meeting you.
- Requests money: This is the ultimate red flag. Common excuses include:
- Emergency medical bills for themselves or a family member.
- Travel costs (flights or visas) to come and visit you.
- Temporary funds to “release” a large inheritance or business payment.
Stay Safe: The “Never” and “Always” Rules
NEVER
- Never send money or gift cards to someone you have only met online.
- Never give anyone access to your bank account or login details.
- Never provide copies of personal documents (passport, driving license).
- Never take out a loan on behalf of an online partner.
ALWAYS
- Always trust your instincts. If it feels “too good to be true,” it usually is.
- Always keep your family and friends in the loop. Scammers often try to isolate you.
- Always perform a reverse image search on their profile picture to see if it’s stolen from elsewhere.
The Golden Rule: STOP, CHALLENGE, and PROTECT. Take a moment to think before parting with any information or money.
Frequently asked questions:
Can I get my money back from a romance scam?
If you are the victim of a romance scam then it is possible to recover your money. Even if you have reported this to the bank already and they rejected your claim.
It is important to know that you are not alone. Romance scams are very common and if you have sent money to someone that you now believe is a scam then we may be able to help you.
We understand that this type of scam is devastating as many people feel hurt by the betrayal and even ashamed when they realise they have been the victim of a romance scam.
The relationship was genuine to the victim, and discovering the scam and coming to terms with the betrayal can be a very difficult time and can hugely impact on your life.
If you have been a victim of a romance scam, we encourage you to speak to a member of our specialist team.
We are there to provide legal and practical advice without judgement and to support you in recovering your money.
Who to Report a Romance Scam To?
If you have been targeted by a scammer, your first priority is to secure your finances and alert the authorities.
- Your Bank: Contact them immediately. They may be able to freeze your accounts or stop pending transactions.
- Action Fraud: The UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
- The Police: Call 111 (non-emergency) to report the incident. If you are in immediate danger, always call 999.
- Crimestoppers: To report information anonymously.
Where to Get Further Support
Romance scams can be deeply distressing. These organisations offer specialized emotional and financial guidance:
Organization
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Best For…
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Contact Info
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Victim Support
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Free, confidential help for crime victims.
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Mind
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Mental health support and guidance.
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0300 123 3393 or Text 86463
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Samaritans
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24/7 support if you need someone to talk to.
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116 123
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Money Helper
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Free, impartial advice on money and debt.
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0800 138 7777
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While the police often offer a referral to Victim Support automatically, you do not have to wait for them. You can contact your local team directly at any time.
Further information:
Safer internet Day 2026.
Oakwood Solicitors: Romance Scams.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you have been effected by the maltreatment of another individual which has resulted in a romance scam, get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation.
Protect your heart and your wallet this valentines day. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 360 2280 to find out how we can help you.
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Danielle Lightfoot is a Director and our Head of the Financial Litigation Department. Danielle joined the firm as a Paralegal in 2011 and qualified as a solicitor in October 2014. She has acquired ext…
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