Online Dating & Catfishing

At Scam Claims, we help victims and across the UK who have been deceived through fraudulent relationships built on dating apps, social media, and websites.

Online Dating Scams – cause financial loss, often by exploiting trust, loneliness, and emotional vulnerability. Criminals create convincing profiles, engage victims in lengthy conversations, and gradually manipulate them into sending money or personal information.

Our team provides legal support, financial recovery services, and access to protective measures, ensuring victims have a clear path to reclaiming stability after such distressing experiences.

How Do Online Dating Scams Affect Victims?

Online dating scams happen when scammers frequently request money for fabricated emergencies, medical expenses, or travel costs, making victims believe they are helping someone they love.

Catfishing scams add another layer of deception by using false identities to build credibility. The harm goes beyond financial loss: victims are often left feeling betrayed, ashamed, and traumatised, with lasting effects on their ability to trust in future relationships.

How Much Money Is Typically Lost to Online Dating Scams in or Around ?

The financial losses linked to online dating scams, according to police and Action Fraud reports, average around £7,500 per victim, though many cases involve far higher sums, with individual losses reaching into six figures.

Victims often make repeated payments over many months as trust is deepened before larger demands are made.

Which Warning Signs Help Identify an Online Dating Scam Across ?

Online Dating Scams often share clear red flags, including:

• Rapid declarations of affection – Fraudsters profess strong feelings unusually quickly.

• Excuses to avoid meeting – Scammers avoid in-person meetings or video calls.

• Requests for money – Urgent appeals for financial help with emergencies or travel.

• Inconsistent stories – Contradictory details about their life or background.

• Unusual payment requests – Demands for cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers.

• Stolen photos or identities – Profiles built on images taken from real people without consent.

Can Victims Recover Money Lost Through Online Dating Scams?

Victims of online dating scams may be able to recover money if payments were made through banks or credit cards, particularly under Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud protections.

Solicitors can also escalate cases to the Financial Ombudsman Service if institutions refuse reimbursement. Where catfishing scams involve stolen identities, police and cybercrime agencies may assist in tracing accounts used by criminals.

Contact Scam Claims to get a plan for recovering financial losses due to a dating scam.

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How Do Fraud Specialists Work With Banks and Authorities to Recover Funds?

Fraud specialists dealing with online dating scams collaborate with banks, card issuers, and regulators to trace suspicious transfers and identify institutional failings. They also liaise with Action Fraud and international enforcement bodies to strengthen claims and extend investigations across borders.

By providing detailed financial evidence, specialists increase the chances of refunds or regulatory intervention, ensuring that banks and platforms are held accountable for failing to prevent fraud.

Are Support Services Available for Victims of Catfishing and Online Dating Scams?

Victims of online dating scams can access a range of support services alongside legal recovery, which include counselling, victim helplines, and charities dedicated to supporting those affected by online fraud.

For catfishing scam victims, support may also include privacy protections and urgent injunctions to stop the misuse of personal data or images.

What’s the Process for Starting an Online Dating Scam Claim Near ?

Starting an online dating scam claim begins with gathering evidence such as chat logs, emails, payment receipts, and bank records. A solicitor then reviews the case, advises on the strongest recovery routes, and determines whether to proceed through banks, regulators, or civil claims.

The solicitor prepares the claim, communicates with financial institutions, and manages negotiations or legal proceedings. Victims are guided throughout the process, ensuring every opportunity for recovery is explored.

What Legal Options Do Solicitors Offer for Online Dating Scam Victims?

Solicitors provide several legal avenues for victims of Online Dating Scams – cause – financial loss, including:

• Bank reimbursement claims – Pursuing refunds under APP fraud guidelines.

• Platform accountability – Challenging dating apps or services that failed to prevent fraudulent activity.

• Civil recovery – Filing proceedings against identified fraudsters or connected entities.

• Regulatory complaints – Reporting cases to regulators for investigation and oversight.

• Law enforcement support – Assisting in formal fraud reports to strengthen evidence for recovery.

• Initial consultations – Reviewing cases to identify the most effective legal route forward.

Do Online Dating Scam Solicitors Handle International Cases?

Solicitors frequently deal with international fraud linked to online dating scams. Many cases involve funds sent to offshore accounts, requiring coordination with overseas banks, regulators, and law enforcement agencies.

While cross-border recovery is more complex, experienced solicitors focus on pursuing compensation through UK-based institutions that processed payments, providing victims with a realistic pathway to reclaiming losses.

Contact Scam Claim Solicitors for a consultation regarding international dating scam claims.

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