With Valentine’s Day upon us, those who are single may start yearning for love while pictures of happy couples are plastered about. They subsequently might find themselves swiping through dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble, Hinge and Match.com to find love.
But experts have warned dating app users need to be vigilant, as data shows over 9,000 people will likely fall victim to a romance scam this year. Victims lose an average of over £10k.
The South West ranks fifth in the UK as the region most impacted by scams, with other 1,000 cases being recorded, resulting in a total loss of £8.8 million. Additionally, analysis of Action Fraud data by financial experts at money transfer specialist Remitly, shows that over the last five years, romance scams have increased by 27%.
So, what should dating app users look out for? Remitly have shared their top tips to help people stay safe on apps. They said: “Scammers know how to pull on heartstrings, especially around Valentine’s Day when many are seeking connection. By staying informed and recognising the red flags, you can help protect yourself and loved ones from these increasingly sophisticated schemes.”
The experts stressed the importance of following your instincts, so if something feels off, take a step back and reassess the situation, perhaps even get a second opinion and ask a friend their thoughts. This is sometimes more easily said than done.
“If you’re feeling unsure, try and verify the person’s identity, ask for a photo and do a reverse image search, to make sure it’s actually them. Alternatively, you could ask for a video call.”
Experts also said to stay communicating on the app you’re using, rather than going on to social media or exchanging numbers.
“Scammers often try to move conversations off dating platforms quickly to avoid detection,” the experts warned.
They also advised people to wary of love bombing: “Scammers often use ‘love bombing’ to overwhelm you with excessive compliments, grand promises, or declarations of love early on. While it may feel flattering, this is a common tactic to lower your guard and build quick trust. Take your time to get to know someone and be wary if they push for intense emotional closeness too soon.”
Perhaps the two most vital tips is to not send people you do not know any money, and to secure your financial accounts. “Requests for financial assistance, especially early on, are a major red flag, even if the person appears to be in a dire situation,” the experts explained.
Individuals should also ensure they are using “strong passwords and two-factor authentication on all financial accounts.”
Finally, with the rise of AI and rapid improvement of such technology, it’s getting harder to spot scammers who may use such software. Experts explain that AI is being used more and more: “Scammers are now leveraging AI to create hyper-realistic personas, complete with fake photos, videos, and even voices, making it harder than ever to distinguish a genuine connection from a fabricated one.” They advise users to: “Look for inconsistencies in their communication or overly polished profiles.”
Romance scams have risen by an average of 5.8% per year, and if 2025 follows suit, over 9,000 people could fall victim to a romance scam this year. So make sure you’re not one of them and stay vigilant whilst on dating apps.