Romance Fraud
A fraudster builds a fake online relationship over time before asking for money.
Romance Fraud
Romance fraud takes place when a criminal builds a fake relationship with a target through a dating platform, social media or messaging app, investing weeks or months in gaining trust and affection before introducing a reason to ask for money. The persona is often entirely fabricated, built from stolen photographs and a carefully rehearsed backstory, such as working overseas, serving in the military or managing an urgent business matter that keeps the person from meeting in person or appearing on video calls.
Warning signs include a connection that moves unusually fast, a partner who always has a reason to avoid a video call, a profession or circumstance that conveniently explains being unreachable, and requests for money framed as emergencies, medical bills, customs fees or a shared investment opportunity. A request to keep the relationship secret from friends or family, together with a pattern of repeated and increasing requests for funds, is one of the clearest signs that the relationship is not what it appears to be.
Investigation, tracing, and full legal representation
Clients affected by romance fraud are treated with complete discretion by our investigations team, who understand how difficult these cases can be to come forward about. We work to trace where funds were sent, whether by bank transfer, money service business or cryptocurrency, and to build a clear picture of the individuals and networks behind the fraudulent persona.
Because romance fraud is frequently run from organised networks operating across several countries, we coordinate with Interpol and local law enforcement to support cross border investigations and pursue the people responsible wherever they can be identified. We handle the filing of your case and provide legal representation at every stage, working towards recovery of your funds and accountability for those who took them.
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Other cases we handle
Phishing Scams
A fake email, text or call impersonating a trusted organisation to steal login details and money.
Read more →Impersonation Scams
Criminals pose as your bank, police or a government official to trick you into moving money.
Read more →AI Scams
Deepfake calls, cloned voices and AI generated content used to trick victims into paying.
Read more →Report a Case in Confidence
If you suspect fraud, or you are already a victim of one, speak with our investigations team today. Every conversation is confidential, and there is no obligation to proceed.
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