As more people turn to dating apps and social media to find love, experts are warning that not everyone online has good intentions.
Scammers posing as charming love interests are exploiting trust to trick victims into sending money, and the latest reports suggest older Britons are increasingly at risk.
How Scammers Build Trust Before Striking
Fraudsters often pretend to be romantic partners, contacting their victims daily to build credibility.
Once trust is established, they invent urgent problems—such as visa issues, medical emergencies, or travel complications—to request large sums of money.
After receiving the cash, the scammers vanish, leaving victims shocked and financially devastated.
Lloyds Bank has flagged a worrying trend: romance scams are rising sharply, particularly targeting older customers with significant savings.
Victims aged 75 to 84 lost an average of £8,068, a 15% increase from last year, while the overall average loss across all ages was £5,219.
Popular Excuses Used by Scammers
Analysis by Lloyds shows scammers often claim to work in high-risk or hard-to-reach jobs.
The most common covers are members of the armed forces and oil rig workers.
Many pretend to be soldiers stationed overseas or in conflict zones, even though almost all UK forces personnel are based in the UK.
Working on an oil rig is another favorite ruse. Scammers claim the job makes communication difficult, justifying delays in calls or video chats.
In reality, only a small percentage of oil rig workers are women, meaning any online female claiming to be stationed offshore is likely a scam.
Older Britons Remain the Main Targets
Older adults, especially those living alone, are prime targets for romance scammers.
Lloyds reports a 52% rise in scams targeting those over 55, compared to a 20% increase for the 35–44 age group.
The most affected demographic is 55–64-year-olds, making up 20% of cases, followed by 65–74-year-olds at 18%.
Real Stories Show the Human Cost
The bank has shared examples to illustrate the risks.
Kathy, 80, lost £11,000 after believing a scammer who claimed he was stranded with expensive machinery on an oil rig.
Keith, 86, lost £2,260 after sending money to someone claiming to inherit gold in Australia.
Both victims were convinced by the elaborate backstories and promises of repayment.
How Banks Intervene to Prevent Losses
A real-life transcript from Lloyds shows how vigilant bank staff can stop victims from losing thousands.
One customer tried to transfer £10,000 to someone he met online, insisting the person was genuine.
A Lloyds employee patiently explained why it was a scam and prevented the transfer, highlighting the importance of professional intervention.
Common Tactics Used by Scammers
Scammers frequently invent urgent needs for money.
Typical scenarios include covering medical treatment, travel expenses to visit the victim, rent, food, or legal fees.
They may also ask for tax payments, business costs, or request gift cards, which are easily monetized.
Some schemes have even involved hiding money in teddy bears or claiming to rescue someone from an oil rig.
Expert Advice for Staying Safe
Detective Superintendent Oliver Little of the City of London Police urges caution: “If you’ve met someone online, stay on the app’s messaging platform, be wary of requests for money, and consult friends or family before making decisions.
Criminals try to isolate victims—don’t give them the opportunity.
If you haven’t met them in person, you don’t owe them anything.”
Takeaway: Stay Vigilant Online
Romance scams can be sophisticated and emotionally manipulative, but awareness and careful steps can prevent financial harm.
Keeping communication on secure platforms, seeking advice from trusted friends, and consulting bank staff before transferring money are crucial safeguards.