Dating is hard enough already. You have to worry about finding someone you like, making sure you have things in common, and hoping they actually look like their photos. It is a lot of work. The last thing you need is to worry about losing your life savings to a stranger on the internet.
Sadly, online dating scams are still a big problem in the UK. Criminals are getting smarter. They use new technology and clever tricks to steal money and break hearts. But do not worry. You can still look for love online safely. You just need to know what to look for.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about dating scams in 2026. We will look at the new tricks scammers use and give you simple steps to protect yourself.
The Reality of Romance Fraud
It is easy to think that you would never fall for a scam. We all like to think we are too smart for that. But romance scammers are experts at what they do. They know exactly how to play on your emotions.
According to recent data from the City of London Police, people in the UK lost over £106 million to romance fraud in the 2024/25 financial year. That is a huge amount of money. The average victim lost over £11,000.
These criminals do not just target wealthy people. They target everyone. They target people of all ages and backgrounds. Most of these scams start on dating apps or social media sites. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) says that over 80 per cent of romance scams begin online.
This does not mean you have to delete your apps. It just means you need to be careful.
Common Scams to Watch Out For
Scammers change their stories often, but the goal is always the same. They want your money. Here are the most common types of scams you might see in 2026.
The Classic Romance Scam
This is the one you have probably heard of before. You match with someone who seems perfect. They are good looking, they have a great job, and they say all the right things. They might say they are working overseas. Common jobs they use are soldiers, doctors, or engineers on oil rigs.
They build a relationship with you quickly. Then, something goes wrong. They might say:
- They are stuck at an airport and need money for a ticket.
- A family member is sick and needs urgent medical care.
- They have a business problem and their bank account is frozen.
They will ask you to send money. They will promise to pay you back as soon as they get home. But once you send the money, they will ask for more. Or they will disappear.
The Crypto Investment Scam
This scam has become very popular in the last few years. It is sometimes called “pig butchering” because they “fatten you up” with kindness before they take everything.
Here is how it works. The person you match with will be very friendly. They will act like they are rich and successful. Eventually, they will talk about how they made their money. They will say they invest in cryptocurrency or stocks.
They will offer to teach you how to do it. They will tell you to download an app or visit a website. This website is fake. It looks real, but the scammers control it.
You might invest a small amount at first. The website will show that you made a profit. This is to trick you. They want you to feel safe so you invest more money. When you try to take your money out, you cannot. They will tell you that you need to pay “taxes” or “fees” first. This is just a way to steal even more from you.
The “Sextortion” Trap
This is a very scary type of scam. It relies on fear and shame.
You might start chatting with someone who gets flirty very quickly. They might ask you to move the chat to a video call. During the call, they might ask you to do something private or sexual on camera.
They are recording you.
As soon as they have the video, their attitude changes. They will threaten to send the video to your friends, family, and boss unless you pay them money. They often ask for payment in Bitcoin so it cannot be traced.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) advises that you should never pay the ransom. Paying does not guarantee they will delete the video. It often makes them ask for more money.
The Insurance Fraud Twist
There is a new type of scam that experts at the Insurance Fraud Bureau have warned about. This started getting noticed more in 2025.
In this scam, the person you meet online does not ask you to send them cash directly. Instead, they try to get you involved in insurance fraud. They might pressure you to take out an insurance policy. Then, they will try to convince you to make a fake claim.
They might say it is an easy way to make money. They might say everyone does it. But this is a crime. If you get caught, you could get a criminal record. You could also find it very hard to get insurance in the future.
Red Flags: When to Swipe Left
You can spot most scammers if you know the warning signs. If you see any of these “red flags,” be very careful.
They Want to Move Off the App Immediately
Dating apps have safety features. They can spot scammers and ban them. Scammers know this. That is why they want to move the chat to WhatsApp, Google Chat, or text messages straight away.
They might say:
- “I am not on here very often.”
- “My membership is running out.”
- “I prefer WhatsApp.”
If someone pushes you to leave the app within the first few messages, it is a bad sign. Stay on the dating app until you have met in person or video called.
Love Bombing
“Love bombing” is when someone showers you with affection very quickly. They might say they love you within a few days. They might call you their soulmate. They might start planning a future with you before you have even met.
It feels nice to be liked. But real relationships take time to build. Scammers rush things because they want to gain your trust quickly so they can ask for money. If it feels too good to be true, it usually is.
They Cannot Meet in Person
Scammers always have an excuse for why they cannot meet you.
- They are working abroad.
- They are in the military.
- Something urgent came up at the last minute.
If you have been chatting for weeks and they still will not meet you, be suspicious.
Their Camera is “Broken”
In 2026, almost everyone has a smartphone with a camera. If the person you are talking to refuses to video call, that is a major red flag. They might say their camera is broken. They might say they have a bad signal.
The truth is usually that they do not look like their photos. They might be a completely different person.
They Ask for Money
This is the biggest red flag of all. Never send money to someone you have only met online. It does not matter what the reason is. It does not matter how sad their story is.
A real romantic partner would not ask you for money online. If someone asks for cash, gift cards, or crypto, stop talking to them immediately.
Practical Steps to Protect Yourself
You do not have to be a tech expert to stay safe. Here are some simple things you can do to protect yourself.
Do a Reverse Image Search
Scammers usually steal photos from other people’s social media accounts. You can check if a photo is fake by doing a reverse image search.
Here is how to do it:
- Save the person’s profile photo to your phone or computer.
- Go to a search engine like Google Images.
- Upload the photo.
The search engine will show you where else that photo appears on the internet. If the photo belongs to a celebrity, a model, or a random person with a different name, you know it is a scam.
The Video Call Test
Before you get too emotionally involved, ask for a video call. You can use FaceTime, WhatsApp Video, or Zoom.
Seeing the person in real time proves they are who they say they are. If they keep making excuses to avoid a video call, stop talking to them. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Keep Your Details Private
Be careful about what you share online. Do not give out your full address, your place of work, or your banking details.
Scammers can use small pieces of information to steal your identity. Keep things general until you know the person better.
Ask a Friend
When we like someone, we sometimes ignore the warning signs. Our friends can often see things clearly when we cannot.
Show the person’s profile to a friend or family member. Tell them about the conversations you have had. Ask them if anything sounds strange. If your friends are worried, you should listen to them.
Trust Your Gut
Your instincts are powerful. If something feels off, it probably is. You do not need proof to stop talking to someone. If you feel uncomfortable, just block them and move on.
What to Do If You Have Been Scammed
If you think you have been scammed, do not panic. It can happen to anyone. Here is what you should do.
Stop All Contact
The first step is to cut off the scammer. Stop replying to their messages. Block their phone number and their social media profiles. Do not tell them you know it is a scam. Just disappear.
Contact Your Bank
If you have sent money, call your bank immediately. In the UK, you can call 159 to be connected securely to your bank’s fraud department. Tell them exactly what happened. They might be able to stop the payment or get your money back.
Report It
Reporting the scam helps the police catch the criminals. It also helps protect other people.
- Action Fraud: If you live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, report the scam to Action Fraud. You can do this on their website or by calling 0300 123 2040.
- Police Scotland: If you live in Scotland, call 101 to report the fraud to Police Scotland.
- NCSC: If you have received a suspicious email, forward it to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk.
- The Dating Site: Report the scammer’s profile to the dating app or website. They can remove the profile so the scammer cannot hurt anyone else.
Get Support
Being scammed can be very upsetting. You might feel embarrassed or ashamed. But remember, you are the victim of a crime. It is not your fault.
Talk to someone you trust. You can also contact Victim Support for free and confidential help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get my money back if I was scammed?
It depends on how you paid. If you paid by bank transfer, your bank might be able to help. Many UK banks have signed up to a code to reimburse victims of fraud. However, if you paid using cryptocurrency or gift cards, it is very difficult to get the money back. Contact your bank as soon as possible to find out.
Are paid dating sites safer than free ones?
Not necessarily. Scammers use paid sites too. They might use stolen credit cards to pay for their membership. You should be just as careful on a paid site as you are on a free app.
What should I do if a scammer threatens to share my photos?
This is called sextortion. Do not pay the money. The police and the NCSC advise that paying does not solve the problem. Stop contact with the scammer. Report them to the police and the social media platform where you met. There are online resources that can sometimes help get the content removed.
How can I tell if a profile is a “catfish”?
A catfish is someone pretending to be someone else. Look for profiles that have very few photos or no bio. Check if they have linked their Instagram or Spotify account. Verified profiles are usually safer. Always ask for a video call to confirm their identity.
Is it safe to send money if they promise to pay me back?
No. Never send money to someone you have not met in person and known for a long time. It does not matter what they promise. Once the money is gone, it is usually gone for good.
Finding Love Safely
Dating should be an exciting part of your life. While there are risks, millions of people meet their partners online safely every year.
The key is to take your time. Do not let anyone rush you. Keep your money in your own bank account. And remember, if someone truly likes you, they will want to keep you safe, not ask for your cash.
By following these tips, you can spot the bad apples and focus on finding the right person for you. Happy swiping!
