Victims of romance fraud lost more than £102 million last year, as criminals continue to exploit people's lonely hearts. And older people - aged between 55 and 74 - are most likely to fall foul as they are less tech savvy and more likely to be keen to forge a new relationship without making adequate checks. These people, often vulnerable, are desperately looking to forge new relationships onlines but instead fall foul of evil scammers who manipulate them into transferring huge sums of money.

• New HMRC tax-free Personal Allowance limit confirmed - started in April

• UK weather maps show 9 hours of snow on Wednesday - temperatures plunge to 0C

New police data shows 10,784 reports of romance fraud were made to Report Fraud last year - a 29% increase compared with 2024. Police believe this rise is partly driven by increased awareness and confidence in reporting, but it also highlights the ongoing scale and impact of a crime that often unfolds over weeks or months.

Overall losses equate to almost £280,000 every day, with individual victims having an average of £9,500 stolen from them. In some cases, reported individual losses reached as high as £1 million.

Romance fraud typically involves sustained contact, with offenders carefully building trust and emotional attachment with the victim before creating a situation where the victim feels they should send them money, often using stories linked to emergencies, investment opportunities or plans to meet in person.

The Metropolitan Police Service area recorded the highest total of losses at £12.1 million. This was followed by Hampshire (£3.45 million), Essex (£3.2 million), Thames Valley (£3.18 million) and Devon and Cornwall (£3.1 million), reflecting the nationwide nature of this offending.

Detective Superintendent Oliver Little, from the lead force operations room at the City of London Police, said: "Romance fraud is particularly harmful because it targets trust and emotional connection. Offenders will often spend significant time building what appears to be a genuine relationship before attempting to exploit their victim financially.

"While the monetary losses can be substantial, the emotional impact is often just as damaging. This crime can affect anyone, and by reporting it, victims help us build intelligence, disrupt offenders and protect others from harm."

Analysis shows people aged 55 to 74 suffered the greatest financial losses, accounting for almost half of the total amount stolen. Although men submitted a higher number of reports overall, women experienced greater financial losses, making up just over 40% of the total value reported.

Romance fraud remains closely linked to online platforms, particularly social media and dating sites, where offenders can easily create convincing false profiles. Investigators are also seeing increased use of AIgenerated images and messages to support fraudulent identities. In many cases, romance fraud is linked with fake investment opportunities, including cryptocurrency, in hybrid frauds which further increase the financial risk to victims.

As part of its annual romance fraud campaign, the City of London Police - the national lead on this type of fraud - is urging the public to remain cautious when forming relationships online and to be alert to warning signs.

These include individuals who develop relationships very quickly or express strong feelings early on. People who make excuses not to meet in person or to avoid live video calls and those who request money, cryptocurrency or gift cards be sent.

Other warning signs include chat about investments, medical emergencies or travel costs or the potential victim feels unable to or doesn't want to talk about the new relationship with friends or family.

It is advised you should always speak to a trusted friend or family member if you want to send money and also always do a reverse-image search of profile and other photos you are sent.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted is encouraged to report it to Report Fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. If money has already been transferred, they should contact their bank immediately. In Scotland, victims of fraud and cybercrime should report to Police Scotland on 101.

Visit Stop! Think Fraud for more information on types of fraud and ways to protect yourself from them. visit https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/