Money sent to romance scammers jumps 37 percent in a year, as TSB warns public of victims trapped in relationships spanning months

• Social media platforms accounted for 58 percent of cases, and dating sites 42 percent
• Facebook had the highest number of cases of any platform, accounting for 30 percent
• Average ‘relationship’ lasts 95 days, with 11 payments made on average
• Most used alibis from fraudster include ‘living away,’ celebrity impersonation, and working in the army
• 65-74 year olds accounted for the most romance fraud cases (23%), with everyone over 55 accounting for 58 percent of cases overall

TSB’s latest report into romance fraud shows that money sent to scammers jumped by 37 percent in a year¹, with a 15 percent increase in case volume.

Romance fraud remains one of the most devastating forms of fraud – for both the emotional and financial impact. According to UK Finance², £20.5m was lost to romance scams in the first six months of 2025 – with almost 3,000 cases.

TSB’s Richard Daniels warns that fraudsters will often groom victims for several months, building trust before making a request for money. Once someone agrees to make a payment, fraudsters will keep creating reasons to ask for more. TSB analysis of customer data shows that victims send an average of 11 payments per case, losing £7,500 on average before discovering the scam.

TSB figures also show the average relationship – from the first to the last payment – lasts 95 days. However, TSB supported one case with education and security measures in which almost 50 payments were made to a fraudster over a 42-month period.

TSB prevents a high level of potential romance fraud losses – by spotting likely fraudulent accounts and then having conversations with customers.

Fraudsters use persuasive techniques to keep their targets trapped in relationships, alongside alibis to account for their absence. TSB found in over two fifths (43%) of cases, fraudsters claimed they were ‘living abroad,’ followed by celebrity impersonation scams (29%), serving in the army (18%), and working on an oil rig (10%).

To extract payments from individuals, almost a half (48%) of fraudsters claimed they were experiencing financial difficulties. Over a third (37%) requested money for travel funds – often with the false promise of paying for transport to meet in person. Almost one in 10 (9%) requests were false claims for medical fees. Showing the darkest side of romance fraud, one in 20 (4%) involved blackmail.

TSB data shows that over 55s made up 58 percent of all cases. The most scammed age group is 65-74 year olds (23%), followed by 55-64 year olds (19%). Over 75s accounted for 16 percent, as did 25-34 year olds.

Over half (58%) of all cases stemmed from social media platforms. Romance scams, with contact originating on Facebook³ had the highest number of cases of any platform, accounting for 30 percent of TSB’s cases.

Over two fifths (42%) of cases started on dating apps – with this figure including all app-based and online dating services.

Richard Daniels, Director of Fraud, TSB, said:

“Romance scams are some of the most emotional situations that we support customers through – due to both the devastating personal and financial impact on individuals.

“While online dating is an increasingly popular way of meeting people, it’s vital that we all remain guarded – especially now with the use of AI – until we can be sure it’s a real person we are speaking to. And if the conversation turns to money, it’s time to stop.”

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Notes to editors

1. TSB analysed customer data on romance fraud comparing 2024 and 2025. The data covers all romance fraud cases including those that TSB blocked and prevented.
2. UK Finance half-year report 2025, published in October 2025
3. This data relates to analysis of TSB cases where the platform was recorded as part of the scam

Fraud advice TSB’s Richard Daniels:

• Dating sites can be a great way to meet people – but remain suspicious and don’t give personal information away to someone you’ve never met in person.
• With the use of AI, fraudsters can be even more convincing now – with AI produced images that look authentic. So remain wary until you have met someone.
• Discussing relationships can be embarrassing – but it can make all the difference when it comes to fraud. Get friendly, impartial advice about your online connection from someone close by, who can help you spot holes in a someone’s story that you hadn’t thought of yourself.
• If the conversation turns to money, then it’s time to stop.
• Hold back details of your own life – including personal photos, and sensitive information, which could be used to scam or blackmail you.
• Fraudsters concoct elaborate and emotive stories to lure people in; so be suspicious of people accounting for their absence with stories that you cannot verify.
• Take your time. No matter how good the individual sounds online, it could all be false – don’t get caught up in a story that you can’t validate.