Lost money to a romance scam?

Frequently asked questions

• Can I get money back from a romance scam?

  Romance scams are common and, unfortunately, show no signs of slowing down. If you’ve fallen victim to a romance scam, it’s natural to feel embarrassed or ashamed—but remember, scammers rely on these emotions to keep their victims silent. By not speaking out, many victims unknowingly allow fraudsters to continue preying on others. 

  At Wealth Recovery Solicitors, we understand the emotional and financial toll of romance scams. As an SRA-regulated firm, we’re here to help you recover what’s rightfully yours. Contact us today for a free consultation.

• Do dating websites stop romance scammers?

  While dating websites and apps are increasingly aware of romance scams, their ability to prevent them is limited. Many platforms now offer features like profile verification and provide users with guidelines on spotting fake profiles.   

  However, scammers can still create accounts and exploit people. Dating websites don’t monitor every conversation, so users need to be vigilant and report suspicious behaviour. 

• Do romance scammers pose as celebrities?

  Some of the most high-profile romance scams involve people sending money to scammers posing as celebrities. This is a technique that can be used in order to generate trust and to lure fans into the scam. Often this would be athletes, actors or TV personalities. If you ever see a celebrity or someone well known on a dating app or on social media, who at any point requests money from you, this will certainly be a romance scam.

• What are common excuses romance scammers use to get you to send money?

  A few common excuses that romance scammers use to encourage you to send money include the following:

  Travel expenses to see you – this is very common as it usually isn’t a significant amount of money and is emotionally manipulative as it involves wanting to meet in person.
  Medical expenses – either for themselves or a family member, romance scammers can use this technique to guilt trip.
  Emergencies – to encourage a sense of urgency to get the money sent and to not give you much time to think about whether or not it’s legitimate, some kind of emergency will be discussed where money is needed quickly.
  Holidays – a romance scammer may say they want to book a holiday for you together to meet properly and spend time together (this in itself is unsafe and enough to stop the conversation), then ask for a contribution towards the trip.
  To summarise, if anyone you have met on social media or a dating app requests that you send them money, whether you’ve never met in person, have had a few video chats or have met in person, you could still be a victim of a romance scam.

• How do romance scams work?

  Romance scams and fraud – also known as dating scams – involve victims being duped into sending money or sensitive personal data to scammers. The scammer will use manipulative tactics in order to gain the trust of their victim and convince them that they are in a genuine relationship with one another. Romance scams are perhaps one of the most emotionally taxing forms of scams, as they are built over a number of years and the victim ends up losing a lot more than just the money or personal information parted with before the scammer disappears.

  People of any age, gender, or sexual orientation may fall prey to romance scammers on dating apps like Tinder, Match or on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, but the victims are disproportionately seniors who are lonely or isolated.

  The fraudster will make contact with the victim using the dating app, before quickly moving the conversation off the platform. It’s not always easy to identify a romance scam artist. They may seem genuinely curious in the other person by asking them several questions and this can happen over a significant period of time. They will always make an excuse to avoid phone calls or video calls so that their fake persona isn’t unveiled.

  Romance scammers are professionals who can fool their victims by acting sympathetic and trustworthy. These scammers populate most online dating and social media platforms.

• What are the most common types of romance scams?

  Romance scams can take many forms, but here are some of the most common types:  

  • Requests for money for travel expenses: The scammer claims they want to visit the victim but cannot afford to travel. They ask for money to cover flights, visas, or other travel costs.  

  • Medical emergencies: Scammers often fabricate serious health issues (for themselves or a loved one) and ask for financial help to pay for medical treatment.  

  • Investment opportunities: Scammers convince victims to invest in fake opportunities, often related to cryptocurrency, promising high returns that never materialise.  

  • Military deployment scams: The scammer pretends to be a soldier stationed overseas, claiming they need money for personal leave or to return home.  

  • Inheritance or business scams: Scammers may claim they are entitled to a large inheritance or involved in a business deal but need money to resolve legal or logistical issues. 

• What should you do if a loved one is in a romance scam?

  If you believe a loved one is involved in a romance scam, it’s important to approach the situation delicately, as they may be emotionally invested in the relationship. Encourage them to speak openly about the relationship and share your concerns without being judgmental.  

  You can provide examples of common scams and help them review the signs. If you believe money has already been sent, contact WRS for professional advice on how to proceed. We can guide you through the steps to recover the funds and provide legal support