Dating App Scam: £10m Lost in 6 Months

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. If you believe you have been targeted, contact your bank and local authorities immediately.

£10m - that's what fraudsters have stolen from dating app users in just 6 months. What's behind this shocking figure?

How This Scam Works

Fraudsters create fake profiles on popular dating apps, posing as attractive and charming individuals. They build trust with their victims, often sharing fake stories of hardship or loss. Once they've gained the victim's trust, they ask for money, claiming they need it for a medical emergency or to cover travel costs. It's a tactic that's working - 75% of victims are aged 40-60, and many have lost life-changing amounts of money. Can't we do more to stop these scams?

Who Is Being Targeted

The scam is targeting people of all ages, but particularly those in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. It's not just people in the UK who are being targeted - the scam is global, with reports coming in from the US, Australia, and other countries. What's driving this global reach?

How do the scammers know who to target? They're using data from social media and other online sources to identify potential victims.

Who's behind these scams, and what's their endgame?

Red Flags to Watch For

🚩 Unusual or poor grammar in messages
🚩 Requests for money, especially in the early stages of a relationship
🚩 Avoidance of video calls or meetings in person
🚩 Claims of a medical emergency or other crisis
🚩 Pressure to move the conversation off the dating app

What to Do If You've Been Hit

Report the incident to the dating app and the relevant authorities
Don't send any more money
Change your password and enable two-factor authentication
Be cautious about sharing personal info online
Seek support from friends, family, or a professional counselor

Where to Report

🇦🇺 Australia: Scamwatch 🇺🇸 USA: FTC ReportFraud 🇬🇧 UK: Action Fraud 🌐 International: Global Scam Reporting Directory Stay safe online by using our free scam checker