As more people turn to online platforms to find love, connection, and companionship, there has been a troubling increase in dating fraud. What once may have seemed like unfortunate but rare stories are now regular headlines. Victims are not just losing money they are also suffering emotional harm that can take a long time to heal. To protect yourself, it’s crucial to understand why online dating fraud is increasing so sharply, and what concrete steps you can take to stay safe.

What Is Driving the Rise in Dating Fraud

Several factors have converged in recent years to make online dating fraud more common, more sophisticated, and more damaging than ever before.

First, the sheer growth of online dating platforms has massively expanded the pool of potential victims and opportunities for scammers. Apps and social media make it easy to create new identities or fake profiles, especially as verification processes on some platforms are still weak or optional. More users, less oversight, more risk.

Second, the rise of advanced technology has helped fraudsters scale up their deception. Deepfake images, AI-generated profile photos, voice modulators, and synthetic media allow scammers to appear more convincing. Tools that once required technical know-how are increasingly accessible, making deceit easier to maintain over long periods.

Third, emotional vulnerability has increased, especially in the wake of global isolation, pandemics, and social changes. Many people feel lonely, disconnected, or seeking connection more than ever. Scammers exploit these emotional states offering attention, care, and affection that seem genuine.

Fourth, globalization and cross-border fraud complicate law enforcement. Scammers living in one country can target victims thousands of miles away with relative impunity. Jurisdictional issues, lack of cooperation between authorities, and weak reporting mechanisms in many places enable fraud to flourish.

Finally, financial pressures make people more susceptible. When someone feels insecure (financially, emotionally, socially), they may be more likely to overlook warning signs, to trust quicker, or to do what they otherwise wouldn’t. Scam stories often begin with small requests: help with travel, medical expenses, or pressing emergencies. These small asks tend to escalate.

Statistics Showing the Surge

Recent data confirms what many have feared: online dating fraud is not just increasing it’s escalating. In the UK, romance scam reports rose by about 20% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025.

Victims are losing increasingly large amounts as well. In 2022, over US$1.3 billion was lost to romance scams in the U.S. alone, reflecting an alarming jump from previous years.

Platforms are under pressure: in one survey, 76% of online daters said they want the apps to strengthen protections against scams.

Common Tactics Scammers Use

Understanding how fraudsters operate helps you recognize when something may be wrong before it’s too late. Some of the most common tactics include:

• Love-bombing: immediately showering you with flattery, affection, and attention to build emotional dependency.
• Delayed or no in-person or video verification: excuses why the scammer can’t be seen or met in person (e.g. deployed overseas, broken camera, etc.).
• Requests for money: often for fabricated emergencies (medical issues, travel, visas) or investment opportunities that promise big returns.
• Isolation tactics: asking you not to tell friends or family, or claiming other people would not understand. The more isolated you become, the more influence the scammer has.
• Use of fake or stolen identities: photos, documents, and profiles that look genuine but are entirely fabricated or copied from real people. Deepfakes and social media impersonation make verification harder.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

To avoid becoming a victim, watch out for these red flags:

• Someone professes love or strong feelings very quickly (within days or few weeks).
• Reluctance to meet in person or via video; many excuses.
• Requests for money or financial help, particularly when emergencies are involved.
• Discrepancies in their story small lies or changing details.
• Pressure to move the conversation off the dating app to private channels immediately.
• Overly polished profile (too perfect images, vague about real life details).

How to Stay Safe

While the rise in fraud is worrying, there are many effective strategies you can use to protect yourself.

1. Verify identity early: Use video calls, ask for recent photos, or ask questions that are hard to fake. Reverse image searches on profile photos can reveal if the same image appears elsewhere.
2. Set boundaries around money: Never send money to someone you’ve never met, no matter how compelling their story is. Use trusted payment options where possible, and consult a friend or family member if unsure.
3. Use platform safety tools: Take advantage of verification badges, reporting features, and safety tips the dating app provides. These are designed to help you stay safe.
4. Limit what you share: Protect personal information such as your home address, financial info, or full name until trust is well established.
5. Bring in your support network: Tell a friend or family member about new dating connections. They can offer perspective you may miss when emotionally involved.
6. Stay informed and trust your instincts: If you feel something is “off,” you probably are. Research new methods scammers are using. Awareness is your first defense.