TL;DR: City of London Police and Report Fraud said on May 4, 2026 that UK victims lost more than £102 million to romance fraud in 2025, across 10,784 reports, up 29% on 2024. That is almost £280,000 a day. The average loss was £9,500, some people lost up to £1 million, and people aged 55 to 74 lost almost half the total.
The headline numbers
According to Report Fraud, the national fraud reporting service, UK victims lost more than £102 million to romance fraud in 2025. Key figures:
- 10,784 reports, a 29% increase on 2024. Police think greater awareness and confidence in reporting may explain part of the rise.
- Almost £280,000 lost every day.
- An average loss of £9,500 per victim, with some individuals reporting losses of up to £1 million.
- People aged 55 to 74 had the highest losses, nearly half of the total stolen.
- Men made more reports overall, but women accounted for just over 40% of the total value lost.
Biggest losses by police area
- Metropolitan Police area: £12.1 million
- Hampshire: £3.45 million
- Essex: £3.2 million
- Thames Valley: £3.18 million
- Devon and Cornwall: £3.1 million
Local police echo the figures: Leicestershire Police repeats the national numbers and notes 138 local reports in 2025. We also cover single areas, such as Avon and Somerset, Cumbria and Northern Ireland.
New trends police point to
Romance fraud is often combined with fake investment schemes, including cryptocurrency, which increases the financial risk to victims. Investigators also note more AI-generated images and messages to make fraudulent identities look more real. Detective Superintendent Oliver Little of City of London Police said romance fraud is particularly harmful because it targets trust and emotional connection.
What to do
- Talk to a friend or relative before sending any money.
- Reverse-image search profile photos and pictures you are sent.
- Tell the person you are fraud aware; their reaction is a warning sign.
- If your bank raises concerns about a transfer, stop.
- If targeted, report to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040, and contact your bank immediately. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland on 101.
See our romance scam statistics, red flags and UK reporting guide. Run our free digital footprint check to see what scammers can find.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much was lost to UK romance fraud in 2025?
More than £102 million, according to City of London Police and Report Fraud.
How many reports were there?
10,784, a 29% rise on 2024.
Which age group lost the most?
People aged 55 to 74, almost half of the total stolen.
Which police area lost the most?
The Metropolitan Police area, with £12.1 million.
Sources
- Report Fraud: Romance fraud costs UK victims £102 million as cases rise sharply (May 4, 2026)
- Leicestershire Police: Romance fraud victims lost more than £1.2m in 2025 (May 7, 2026)
- Report Fraud (UK national fraud reporting service)