Romance fraud
Romance fraud is a crime built on trust. What happened to you is not your fault.
Immediate action
Stop sending money and avoid confronting the person before you have secured your accounts.
Overview
Romance fraud often develops over weeks or months. Requests for money usually start small and escalate, often with an emergency story.
Common warning signs
- They avoid video calls or meeting in person
- Emergencies that require money
- Requests to keep the relationship secret
- Asking you to receive or forward money
What to do now
- 1Stop all payments
- 2Keep the conversations — do not delete them
- 3Contact your bank
- 4Tell someone you trust
Evidence to preserve
- Chat and message history
- Profile screenshots
- Photos they sent
- Bank statements and transfer receipts
Where to report
- Action Fraud
- The dating platform or social network
- Your bank
Fraud Victim Support does not replace an official police report.
What happens next
We will listen without judgement and help you work through practical next steps at your own pace.
Optional legal support
Some circumstances may benefit from a separate legal assessment. It is optional.
You are never required to instruct AY-Legal in order to receive initial support.
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Anonymous. No name, no contact details — just so we can make this clearer for the next person.