What is Romance Fraud?
Romance fraud (or romance scams) occurs when a person is deceived into believing they are in a genuine relationship, with the intention of exploiting them for financial gain or personal information.
It often involves:
- Creating fake online profiles
- Building trust and emotional connection over time
- Requesting money, gifts, or financial access
Romance fraud can have a significant emotional, psychological, and financial impact, and is frequently underreported due to stigma and shame.
Why This Matters
- National data shows substantial financial losses and increasing reports
- Victims may remain in contact with perpetrators for extended periods (months or years)
- Offenders use sophisticated methods, including:
- Social media and dating apps
- Encrypted messaging platforms
- Artificial intelligence to create convincing identities
Anyone can be a victim. Romance fraud affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
Romance Fraud as a Safeguarding Issue
Romance fraud should be considered within adult safeguarding where:
- There is financial or material abuse (Care Act 2014)
- The person has care and support needs
- The individual is unable to protect themselves due to:
- coercion
- emotional dependency
- trauma or isolation
Victims may not recognise they are being exploited and may resist intervention, requiring a person‑centred, trauma‑informed approach.
Signs and Indicators
There is no single indicator. Practitioners should look for patterns such as:
Relationship behaviours
- A relationship that progresses very quickly online
- The individual has never met the person in person
- Requests to move communication to private or encrypted platforms
Financial indicators
- Requests for money (e.g. emergencies, travel, business needs)
- Use of:
- bank transfers
- gift cards
- cryptocurrency
Control and coercion
- Encouragement to keep the relationship secret
- Isolation from family, friends, or professionals
- Pressure to act urgently or emotionally
Other indicators
- The individual becomes defensive or distressed when concerns are raised
- Continued sending of money despite evident risks
- Significant financial loss or sudden financial hardship
Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP)
Romance fraud cases often require skilled engagement, as individuals may:
- Believe the relationship is genuine
- Experience strong emotional attachment
- Feel shame or fear about disclosure
Practitioners should:
- Listen to and respect the person’s views and wishes
- Use professional curiosity and gentle challenge
- Avoid judgement or confrontation
- Work to build trust and safety over time
What to Do if You Have a Concern
Immediate risk
- If there is an immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services (999)
Safeguarding response (Warrington)
If an adult may be experiencing abuse or exploitation:
- Adult Social Care: 01925 443322
- Out of Hours: 01925 444400
Fraud reporting
- Advise the individual to:
- Contact their bank immediately
- Report to Action Fraud (national fraud reporting service)
Practitioner responsibilities
- Record concerns clearly
- Share information proportionately
- Consider whether a Care Act safeguarding enquiry is required
Prevention Advice (Key Messages)
Be aware:
- People may not be who they say they are online
- Criminals use emotional manipulation and urgency
Stay safe:
- Avoid sharing personal or financial information
- Be cautious about requests for money or secrecy
- Keep communication on original platforms where possible
Take action:
- STOP – take time before acting
- THINK – could this be a scam?
- FRAUD – contact your bank and report concerns
Multi‑Agency Working
Effective responses to romance fraud may involve:
- Adult Social Care
- Police and Action Fraud
- Financial institutions
- Voluntary and community organisations
Romance fraud should be considered alongside:
- Domestic abuse (where coercion/control is present)
- Self‑neglect
- Wider safeguarding concerns