MORE THAN £2.6million was lost to romance fraud across the West Midlands last year.
West Midlands Police revealed 332 cases of romance fraud were reported in 2024/25, with total losses reaching a staggering £2,696,865.
Data from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) reveals a disturbing nine per cent increase in romance fraud reports in the past year across the country, with 9,449 reports made and victims lost £11,222 each on average.
Romance fraud is a calculated scam, designed to exploit trust and emotions for financial gain.
Fraudsters create fake identities, often posing as doctors, soldiers, or business professionals. They take time to build relationships, earning their victims’ trust until the moment they claim an emergency and ask for money.
These scammers use classic tactics to deceive such as avoiding face-to-face meetings and making excuses.
They also claim emotional emergencies such as medical bills, family issues, or travel problems and rush intimacy to fast-track trust and manipulate victims.
Data reveals that the 50-59 age group suffered the biggest losses, totalling £22,108,334.
This demographic is often financially stable, in the workforce, and may be going through major life changes like divorce or the loss of a partner making them prime targets for scammers.
A key tactic used by fraudsters is ‘love bombing’ with overwhelming victims with affection, manipulation, and emotional control to create dependency.
Intelligence suggests that female victims were nearly twice as likely to engage with fraudsters for a year or more, showing how hard it can be to accept the truth once trust has been built.
Khatija Nichols from West Midlands Police’s Economic Crime Unit said: “Romance fraud is a cruel and calculated crime that can happen to anyone. Criminals build trust and relationships to exploit victims, stealing money and personal information and leaving victims financially and emotionally devastated.
“Victims are often embarrassed and feel ashamed to confide in friends and family or report to Action Fraud for fear of ridicule. We urge victims to reach out and seek help to protect themselves and help prevent others from becoming victims.
“If someone you’ve met online avoids meeting in person, asks for financial help, or pushes for quick intimacy, these could be signs that they aren’t who they say they are.”
Support is available for those who have been affected by romance fraud.
If anyone believes they are a victim they should contact police on 101 or dial 999 in an emergency and report it to Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040 or online here.
Anyone who suspects romance fraud, reach out to your bank immediately.
