Romance Scams

What is a romance scam?

A romance scam is where the scammer pretends to be romantically interested in a victim. They gain the victim’s affection and trust over a period of time, before using the relationship to manipulate or steal from the victim.

The relationship will often progress very quickly, and the scammer will go to any lengths to convince the victim that their feelings for them are strong, and that the relationship is genuine.

When that relationship of trust has been established, the scammer will ask the victim for money. The scammer will often use a highly emotive situation such as an emergency to explain why they need the money and to create an urgency for payment to be made.

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 a romance scam

Do they have a suspicious profile or photo?
Are they a celebrity or well-known person?
Are they residing in another country, or do they travel a lot?
Do they avoid speaking face-to-face?
Does the communication become very intense, very quickly?
Do they arrange to meet in person but then cancel at the last minute?
Have they asked for money? Some of the common reasons given for needing money quickly include:
- An emergency situation
- Medical bills for them or a family member
- A flight to visit you
- Money upfront so that they can release large sums of inheritance.
Do they sound too good to be true?

How to stay safe from romance fraud

NEVER

No matter how long you have been speaking to someone online, or how much you trust them:

Never send money to someone you have met online.
Never withdraw large sums of cash and post this to an unknown address.
Never send money abroad at the request of someone you met online.
Never give anyone access to your bank account.
Never provide copies of any personal documents such as your passport or driving license.
Never purchase gift cards on behalf of someone you met online.
Never take out a loan at someone else’s request

ALWAYS

Be wary when revealing personal information about yourself online. You have no control over who will see this.
Remember it is easy to create a fake profile online.
Remember people can pretend to be anyone they want online.
Be vigilant if someone is encouraging you to keep things from your family and friends.
Trust your instincts. If it does not feel right, then it probably isn’t.
Speak to family members and friends if you have concerns that your relationship could be a scam

STOP

Take a moment to think before you give personal information or pay any money.

CHALLENGE

Always ask yourself ‘Could this be fake?’ and if you have any doubt then reject, refuse or ignore the request.

PROTECT

Remain vigilant and if you think you have fallen victim to a scam then contact your bank and report it to Action Fraud.

Case Studies

Case Study 1

Case Study 2

Case Study 3

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my money back from a romance scam?

If you are the victim of a romance acam 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 should I report a romance scam to?

The police: Call 111.

Action Fraud: Call 0300 123 2040 or visit actionfraud.police.uk.

Crimestoppers: Call 0800 555 111 or fill out an online form.

Your bank

Further support

Action Fraud

The UK’s national reporting center for fraud and cybercrime. You can call them for free on 0300 123 2040 or report it online at actionfraud.police.uk.

Crimestoppers

You can call them on 0800 555 111.

Mind

You can call them on 0300 123 3393 or text 86463.

The Money Advice Service

You can call them on 0800 138 7777.

Samaritans

You can call them on 116 123.

Victim Support

When you report a crime to the police, they should automatically ask if you’d like help from an organisation like Victim Support. But anyone affected by crime can contact Victim Support directly.

You can get in touch by:

Contacting your local Victim Support team
Calling the free support line on 08 08 16 89 111
Using the live chat service
Requesting support via their online form.

Danielle Lightfoot — Solicitor and Head of Department

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 extensive experience in high value, complex litigation traversing numerous practice areas. Danielle is a specialist in financial miss-selling matters, with a particular interest in Pensions and Investments.

Have you lost money?

What is a romance scam?

How to spot a romance scam

How to stay safe from romance fraud

Danielle Lightfoot — Solicitor and Head of Department