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ARTICLE · 28 OCTOBER 2025

FCA Issues Update About How To Prevent And Respond To Romance Fraud

Lewis Silkin
Lewis Silkin
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Lewis Silkin

Lewis Silkin

Joint managing partners: Jo Farmer, Richard Miskella International offices: Dublin, Hong Kong...

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Romance fraud is a growing financial crime, with cases rising by 9% last year. Victims are deceived into sending money to fraudsters who engineer false romantic relationships or friendships.

United KingdomCriminal Law
Wendy Saunders
Wendy Saunders
Helen Hart
Helen Hart
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Romance fraud is a growing financial crime, with cases rising by 9% last year. Victims are deceived into sending money to fraudsters who engineer false romantic relationships or friendships. Over 85% of cases start online, particularly through social media and dating websites, suggesting platforms have a critical role to play in preventing fraud and reducing harm.

It's worth noting that under the Online Safety Act 2023, platforms are required to have measures in place to prevent harmful content. The Act also includes provisions aimed at combating issues like sextortion.

However, despite that, figures from City of London Police show that more than £106 million was lost to romance fraud in the UK in the 2024/25 financial year. It is estimated that, on average, victims lost £11,222 each.

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