TSB Issues Urgent Warning as Romance Scams Surge 37% Across UK
TSB has issued a stark warning to UK households following a dramatic 37% increase in romance scams, with case volumes rising by 15%. According to data from UK Finance, a staggering £20.5 million was lost to these emotionally manipulative frauds in the first six months of 2025 alone, involving nearly 3,000 reported cases.
Devastating Financial and Emotional Impact on Victims
Analysis of TSB customer data reveals that victims typically send an average of 11 payments per case, losing approximately £7,500 before discovering the deception. The average fraudulent relationship, measured from the first to the last payment, lasts 95 days. However, in one extreme case supported by TSB through education and security measures, almost 50 payments were made to a fraudster over a distressing 42-month period.
Richard Daniels, Director of Fraud at TSB, emphasised: "Romance scams are some of the most emotional situations that we support customers through – due to both the devastating personal and financial impact on individuals. While online dating is an increasingly popular way of meeting people, it’s vital that we all remain guarded – especially now with the use of AI – until we can be sure it’s a real person we are speaking to. And if the conversation turns to money, it’s time to stop."
How Fraudsters Operate and Common Deceptions
Fraudsters typically groom victims for several months, building trust before requesting money. Once an initial payment is made, they continually invent new reasons to ask for more, using persuasive techniques and alibis to maintain the illusion. TSB's investigation uncovered several common false identities used by scammers:
- 43% claimed to be living abroad
- 29% involved celebrity impersonation
- 18% pretended to be serving in the army
- 10% claimed to work on oil rigs
To extract payments, nearly half (48%) of fraudsters claimed financial difficulties, while 37% requested travel funds with false promises of meeting in person. Alarmingly, 9% made false claims for medical fees, and 4% involved outright blackmail, revealing the darkest aspects of these crimes.
Vulnerable Demographics and Platform Origins
TSB data shows that individuals over 55 constitute 58% of all romance scam cases. The most targeted age group is 65-74 year olds (23%), followed by 55-64 year olds (19%). Over 75s and 25-34 year olds each account for 16% of cases.
Social media platforms are the primary origin points, responsible for 58% of all cases. Facebook alone accounts for 30% of TSB's romance scam cases, while dating apps and online dating services collectively initiate 42% of incidents.
Prevention and Protective Measures
TSB prevents significant potential romance fraud losses by identifying likely fraudulent accounts and engaging in protective conversations with customers. The bank urges the public to remain vigilant, particularly as artificial intelligence makes deception more sophisticated. Key protective measures include:
- Verifying the identity of online contacts through multiple means
- Being immediately suspicious of any requests for money
- Ending communication if financial discussions begin
- Reporting suspicious behaviour to banks and authorities
This comprehensive warning comes as financial institutions intensify efforts to combat increasingly sophisticated fraud operations targeting vulnerable individuals through emotional manipulation.
