Romance fraud in Wales sees a surge. Reports and financial losses escalate drastically, impacting older adults most.
Romance fraud is a trick where scammers act like they’re in love. They gain trust to get money and sometimes even trick victims into fraud.
Wales had 17 romance fraud cases before, but last year, that number jumped to 158. This caused £2.3 million in financial damages.
South Wales had more losses, with financial losses there 1.8 times higher compared to North Wales dating scam reports in 2024. South Wales also had more reports, showing a rise that was 65 percent higher than North Wales.
People aged 50-59 are most at risk, with 50 cases reported last year covering both North and South Wales. Next most at risk were 70-79-year-olds, with 45 cases, then came 40-49-year-olds with 35 cases.
Dating scam reports in the UK rose a lot, with an increase of 1,242 percent. That’s thirteen times higher than previous years, and the average loss in 2023 was £112,502. In 2024, it jumped to £596,584, a very large leap.
Tommy Flynn analyzed the data and said online risks grow as connections do. He said people must stay safe and informed, explaining that scammers exploit trust and use lies to get money.
Flynn said to remember these tips to stay safe: verify identities fast by doing video calls early to check the person. Scammers often avoid face-to-face talks.
Also, watch for fast relationships. Deep feelings and commitment early are red flags, as scammers use feelings to gain trust for their plan. Never send money or financial info to someone you haven’t met, as real connections don’t need cash help.
Do a reverse image search on photos, using Google to check their profile pictures. Stolen images often mean fake accounts. Be careful about hard luck stories scammers make up emergencies for money, and always check these claims yourself first.
Protect your personal information too. Don’t share your address or passwords, as scammers can use this to trick you.