Romance scams hit record highs, costing victims thousands in 2025
Romance scams are surging, leaving victims with heavy financial losses. Reports in the UK jumped by 35% in early 2025 compared to the same period last year. Fraudsters take advantage of people's hopes, especially around Valentine's Day, when cases tend to spike.
These scams rank among the most costly forms of finance. In the UK alone, victims lost over £106 million in the latest reporting year. Each person affected lost an average of more than £11,000.
Scammers often rush victims into sending money through untraceable methods. Gift cards, peer-to-peer payments, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency are common. Once the money is gone, recovery is nearly impossible.
The problem is not limited to the UK. In the US, the FBI has warned of a sharp rise in romance scam losses. Authorities stress that prevention is the best defence, as chasing lost funds rarely works.
The financial toll of romance scams remains severe, with losses per victim far exceeding those of other fraud types. As scammers grow more aggressive, awareness and early precautions are key. Without intervention, the upward trend in cases is likely to continue.
