What is a romance scam?

A romance scam is fraud built around a supposed romantic relationship, where a criminal gains your trust before asking for money or financial help. They may invent emergencies or introduce investments. The emotional connection is part of the deception, so it can be difficult to question. 12

By Secordit. Last checked: 7 November 2026.

Go to the steps · All glossary terms

How it works

  1. Someone builds a relationship through a dating app or another online service. 12
  2. They develop trust and may ask for secrecy. 12
  3. Requests for money, vouchers or investment payments follow. 12

Real UK example

Report Fraud described the case of Thomas Godden in March 2026. He met victims through Tinder and Bumble and persuaded them to fund supposed living and travel costs.

He admitted fraud and was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court. This case shows how a claimed relationship can be used to obtain money. 3

Warning signs

  • Money requests from someone you only know online. 1245
  • Pressure to keep the relationship or payments secret. 1245
  • Stories that make you feel responsible for rescuing them. 12
  • A new partner directs you to an investment platform. 12

What to do now

  1. Stop sending money while you check the situation. 1245
  2. Talk to someone you trust outside the relationship. 12
  3. Keep messages and report the profile to the dating or social platform. 12

UK reporting and support

  • If money has gone or banking details were shared, call your bank using the number on your card. Or use 159 if your bank participates. 456
  • Report fraud or hacking in England, Wales or Northern Ireland to Report Fraud. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. 57
  • If someone is in danger, call 999. 7

How to protect yourself

  • Do not send money or cryptocurrency to someone you have only met online. 1245
  • Discuss investment offers with someone independent of the relationship. 12
  • Be cautious about moving conversations away from a dating platform. 12

Frequently asked questions

Can a romance scam happen outside a dating app?

Yes. The relationship can develop through other online contact. Focus on the behaviour, not only where you met. 1

Is it a scam if they ask me to invest rather than send money?

It can be. The FCA describes long-term investment scams built on a personal, often romantic, connection. 2

What if I already sent money?

Tell your bank and report the fraud. Keep the messages. Be wary of anyone asking for a fee to recover your losses. 38

Matching kit

After a Scam: What to Do First · £7 · Digital download.

A printable UK checklist for the money, account and reporting steps. It is general information, not a recovery service.

General information, not legal, financial or personalised security advice. Secordit is not a police or bank reporting service.

News Pulse

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Sources

  1. Report Fraud, Romance fraud - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  2. FCA, Almost 5,000 fake FCA scams reported in first 6 months of 2025 | FCA. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  3. Report Fraud, Romance scammer jailed after deceiving men on dating apps out of more than £28,000 - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  4. UK Finance, Authorised Push Payment Fraud Reimbursement | UK Finance. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  5. Report Fraud, Report Fraud alert: Police forces being impersonated in scam calls using ‘spoofed’ phone numbers - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  6. Stop Scams UK, 159 Phone number - Stop Scams UK. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  7. Police Scotland, How to report a crime - Police Scotland. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  8. Report Fraud, Recovery fraud - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).