Romance Scammers Are Changing Tactics — Stay Alert

Nationwide Building Society reports that romance scammers are increasingly posing as investors and pushing bogus financial opportunities, rather than relying on emotional emergency stories. Cases rose 5% between 2024 and 2025, with women typically losing £4,100 per case versus £2,600 for men. Adults over 55 remain the most affected, but younger people are increasingly targeted through “exclusive” investment pitches.

Dr Rasha Kassem PhD, CFE, SFHEA, CMBE, senior lecturer and Fraud Research Group leader at Aston University, warns this shift “replaces fear-based manipulation with aspiration, authority bias and fear of missing out,” enabling scammers to groom victims longer and “generate higher losses.” She highlights how offenders now blend emotional dependency with talk of cryptocurrency or trading, leading victims to believe they are investing, not being defrauded.

As Valentine’s Day approaches:

If someone you’ve only met online offers investment advice, pause, verify, and protect yourself.