The variety of victims of ‘romance’ monetary scams elevated by a fifth (22%) in 2023 in comparison with 2022, with males at extra danger than girls.
The figures are revealed in a brand new report on the scams printed by Lloyds Financial institution.
Romance scams contain fraudsters conning individuals in search of love out of their financial savings.
The crooks usually goal individuals on-line, build up a bogus relationship earlier than dishonest them out of their cash.
Within the final monetary 12 months, the Nationwide Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) reported receiving 8,036 stories of romance fraud – a mean of 154 every week, amounting to over £92m misplaced.
The Lloyds Financial institution examine discovered that in 2023 males had been barely extra prone to succumb to a romance rip-off than girls, making up 52% of instances.
Nonetheless, girls are likely to report larger losses – a mean of £9,083 in comparison with a mean £5,145 misplaced by males.
The 55 to 64 age group was almost definitely to be tricked by fraudsters masquerading as love pursuits with the variety of instances on this group up 49% in comparison with 2022.
Nonetheless, it’s these aged between 65 and 74 who lose essentially the most cash, giving romance scammers a mean of £13,123, the best quantity of any age group.
Crooks usually use faux photographs and bogus data on social media and on-line relationship apps to lure victims. Scammers usually provide you with excuses for why they can not meet in particular person or present their face on video calls. Frequent excuses contain working away within the armed forces or in worldwide help and charity work.
One constructive reality from final 12 months was a discount within the quantity misplaced on common. In response to the examine from Lloyds Financial institution the typical quantity misplaced in 2023 was £6,937, lower than in 2022 (£8,237).
Liz Ziegler, fraud prevention director at Lloyds Financial institution, mentioned: “Focusing on these in search of love is a merciless, however sadly widespread, method for fraudsters to money in. Scammers will be extremely convincing and depart their victims each emotionally and financially drained. Social media and on-line relationship apps are rife with faux profiles, and it may be exhausting to inform who’s real.
“As quickly as somebody you’re speaking to begins asking for cash, step again from the scenario and by no means hand something over. Speaking to a real-life buddy or member of the family generally is a good technique to sense verify what’s occurring.”
