TL;DR: Crimestoppers said on February 3, 2026 that Cumbria police data shows 74 dating or romance scams cost victims more than £630,000 between October 2024 and October 2025. Victims were most commonly aged 50 to 79, and both men and women were targeted through online dating sites and social media.
What Crimestoppers reported
Crimestoppers published a Valentine's alert saying victims of online romance scams in Cumbria lost over £630,000 between October 2024 and October 2025, across 74 reported dating or romance scams, according to Cumbria Police data. Most victims were aged 50 to 79. Men and women were both targeted through online dating sites and social media. The release gives no individual cases.
Gary Murray, Crimestoppers North West Regional Manager, said romance fraudsters are expert manipulators who prey on kindness and loneliness.
What the charity advises
- Do not send money, gift cards, vouchers, cryptocurrency or investment funds.
- Get to know the person behind the profile, because the profile may be fake.
- Limit the personal information you share online and keep social media accounts private.
- Tell family or friends if someone pressures you to keep the relationship secret.
Why a small county's number matters
That works out at roughly £8,500 per reported case. Our romance scam statistics and dating app scam statistics give the wider picture, and the pattern in elder fraud statistics shows why older adults are a target.
If you or someone you know has been affected
Victims can contact Cumbria Police, Report Fraud or Victim Support. Crimestoppers is anonymous and cannot take information from victims, but anyone with information about the fraudsters can call 0800 555 111. Read how to report a scam in the UK and romance scam recovery steps. To limit what scammers can find, try our free digital footprint check.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Cumbria victims lose?
More than £630,000 across 74 dating or romance scams between October 2024 and October 2025.
Who is most affected?
Victims were most commonly aged 50 to 79, men and women alike.
Where can victims get help?
Cumbria Police, Report Fraud or Victim Support. Crimestoppers takes anonymous information about fraudsters, not victim reports.
What does Crimestoppers advise?
Do not send money, gift cards, crypto or investment funds, and tell family or friends if you are asked to keep a relationship secret.
Sources
- Crimestoppers: Valentine's alert as Cumbria online romance scam victims lose over £630,000 (Feb 3, 2026)
- Report Fraud (UK national fraud reporting service)