Romance Scams

At Scam Claims, we assist people who have been targeted through deceptive online or in-person relationships.

Romance fraud is rapidly increasing and across the UK, with criminals cultivating trust over time before pressuring victims to hand over money or sensitive details.

We provide legal guidance, financial recovery support, and connections to specialist emotional services to help clients rebuild after these events. Whether contact began on dating apps, social media, or email, our team focuses on investigating each case and pursuing compensation wherever the circumstances allow.

What Does A Romance Scam Typically Look Like For Victims?

Romance scams involve fraudsters pretending to be interested in a personal relationship in order to manipulate victims financially or emotionally.

The scammer often builds trust by sharing false stories, fabricated photographs, and convincing backgrounds, eventually requesting money for emergencies, travel, or medical costs.

Victims of romance scams not only lose significant amounts of money but also suffer emotional distress, broken trust, and long-lasting psychological effects.

How Large Are The Losses In Romance Fraud?

The financial loss from romance scams, according to UK Finance and Action Fraud data, is over £10,000 per victim on average, though many cases involve much higher sums.

Victims often send multiple payments over an extended period, believing they are helping someone they trust. These losses can devastate personal finances, especially for vulnerable individuals or retirees.

Which warning signs help identify a romance scam?

Romance scams often share common warning signs, including:

• Rapid declarations of love – Expressing strong feelings unusually quickly after first contact.

• Reluctance to meet in person – Avoiding opportunities for face-to-face meetings or making constant excuses.

• Repeated requests for money – Asking for financial help related to emergencies, travel, or medical costs.

• Inconsistent stories – Providing conflicting details about their background, job, or situation.

• Avoiding video calls – Refusing video chats or giving reasons why they cannot show their face.

• Unusual payment methods – Requesting money via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or transfer services instead of secure channels.

If I’ve Sent Money, What Recovery Avenues Exist In ?

Recovering money lost to romance scams is possible if payments were made via a UK bank, as victims may be able to make an Authorised Push Payment (APP) claim, particularly if the bank failed to identify suspicious activity.

Legal action can be taken against negligent platforms or financial institutions that failed to protect users. While direct recovery from fraudsters is often difficult, experienced solicitors can explore multiple avenues to maximise the chances of financial redress.

Contact Scam Claim Solicitors to get a plan for recovering financial losses due to a romance scam.

[button cta=‘Get in Touch’]

How Do -Based Specialists Coordinate With Banks, Police, And Action Fraud To Trace Funds?

Fraud specialists working on romance scams collaborate closely with banks, card issuers, and law enforcement to trace payments and hold financial institutions accountable where negligence is suspected.

They may also liaise with Action Fraud and international agencies to track fraudsters who operate across borders. By presenting detailed evidence and financial records, specialists can strengthen claims and improve the likelihood of recovery. Their role often involves persistent negotiation with banks and insurers to secure compensation for victims.

Where Can Victims In Turn For Support After A Romance Scam?

Victims of romance scams can access support services that go beyond financial recovery. These include emotional counselling, victim support charities, and specialist helplines that provide guidance on coping with the emotional impact of betrayal.

Accessing these resources early can help victims rebuild confidence and resilience after such traumatic experiences.

What’s the Process for Starting a Romance Scam Compensation Claim In ?

Starting a romance scam compensation claim begins with gathering all available evidence, including transaction records, communications with the fraudster, and bank statements. Victims then consult a solicitor who reviews the strength of the case and advises on the best course of action, whether through banks, regulators, or civil claims.

The solicitor then prepares the claim, contacts relevant institutions, and manages negotiations or legal proceedings. Victims are kept updated throughout the process, with the solicitor aiming to recover as much of the financial loss as possible.

Which Legal Routes Are Most Viable For Victims?

Solicitors provide several legal options for victims of romance scams, including:

• Bank reimbursement claims – Pursuing refunds under Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud guidelines.

• Action against financial platforms – Challenging unregulated or negligent services that enabled the scam.

• Civil recovery claims – Filing legal proceedings to recover assets or funds where possible.

• Regulatory reporting – Assisting with complaints to regulators to hold institutions accountable.

• Law enforcement support – Helping victims report fraud formally to strengthen evidence for compensation schemes.

• Initial consultations – Reviewing the case and advising on the most viable legal routes for recovery.

Can Firms In Tackle Cross-Border Romance Fraud And Pursue Overseas Payment Trails?

Romance scam solicitors often deal with international fraud cases, such as tracing funds transferred abroad, working with international banks, and liaising with overseas regulators.

While recovery is more complex in cross-border cases, experienced solicitors have networks and methods to pursue claims globally, often focusing on the institutions that processed the payments rather than the fraudsters themselves.

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

[button cta=‘Get in Touch’]