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The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) says 61 dating scams were reported in Northern Ireland during calendar year 2025, with reported losses of £814,400. The figure comes from a PSNI warning published on 3 October 2026; it records reported losses, not the full cost of romance scams, which police believe are under-reported. PSNI warning
What the PSNI’s figures cover
The £814,400 total applies to 61 reports of “dating scams” during the 2025 calendar year, according to the PSNI’s 3 October 2026 warning. It should not be read as a count of every victim or as a complete estimate of losses: the PSNI says people may not report these crimes, including because they feel embarrassed. PSNI warning
A separate PSNI release published on 11 February 2026 recorded 100 romance-scam reports and £866,700 in losses between April 2025 and the start of February 2026. That rolling period includes part of 2026, so it is not the calendar-year 2025 total. PSNI release, 11 February 2026
For historical context, a PSNI accountability report recorded 127 “romance frauds” and £1,083,007 in reported losses in calendar year 2024. The source labels differ—“dating scams” for the 2025 statement and “romance frauds” for 2024—and the cited figures do not establish that their categories and reporting basis are directly comparable. They therefore do not support a precise year-on-year trend claim. PSNI accountability report
How romance scams work—and warning signs
A romance scammer uses a false identity and a developing relationship to gain trust, then tries to obtain money or valuable information. The PSNI says scammers may quickly appear charming and interested, avoid meeting in person, and then ask for help with medical or legal bills, a family member, travel, or an investment. PSNI advice
Scammers may approach people through dating sites, social media, or messaging apps. They can sustain the deception for weeks or months, using a fabricated emergency or personal crisis to make a request feel urgent. PSNI warning, July 2025
- They avoid meeting face-to-face or refuse video calls, perhaps claiming to be overseas or working remotely.
- They declare strong feelings very quickly, while giving evasive answers about their identity or circumstances.
- They ask for money, bank details, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or help with an emergency, travel costs, bills, or an investment.
- Their profile picture or personal details do not match what you find elsewhere online.
The Trading Standards Service says scammers can use stolen photos and invented stories to build trust, then seek personal information, money, or gifts. A request to buy gift cards and share their serial numbers is another warning sign. Trading Standards Service guidance
How to check a suspicious online relationship
- Keep the conversation on the dating service. Be wary if someone quickly pressures you to move to private messaging, where the platform may have fewer ways to help.
- Check the person independently. Compare details across their social-media accounts and look for inconsistencies. Use reverse image search to see whether a profile photo appears under other names or on unrelated pages.
- Do not send money or financial information. Never send money, provide bank details, or buy gift cards or cryptocurrency for someone you have only met online.
- Pause and talk to someone you trust. Pressure to act quickly or keep a request secret is a reason to step back and seek an outside perspective.
- End contact and report the profile. If you are concerned, stop communicating and report the account to the dating platform. Keep messages, usernames, payment details, and other relevant evidence.
These checks can help identify warning signs, but they cannot prove who is behind an account. Avoid treating an online relationship as verified solely because a person has a convincing profile or story. PSNI advice
What to do if you have sent money
- Contact your bank immediately. Tell the bank what happened and ask whether it can stop or recover a payment. The PSNI specifically advises contacting the bank as soon as possible after a suspected loss.
- Preserve evidence. Save messages, profile names, phone numbers, payment details, and any other information that may help establish what happened.
- Report it. Contact the PSNI online or by calling 101. You can also report to Report Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040. PSNI reporting advice
- Ask for consumer support if needed. The Trading Standards Service lists Consumerline on 0300 123 6262 for support. Trading Standards Service guidance
The PSNI also directs people to ScamwiseNI for advice. Reporting can help authorities understand the scale of the problem, even when you feel embarrassed or are unsure whether a crime has occurred. PSNI advice
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Reported losses are only part of the harm
The PSNI’s February 2026 release described individual reports involving losses of more than £40,000 and approximately £15,000, while cautioning that these were examples rather than typical amounts. PSNI release, 11 February 2026
A PSNI accountability report also described a man who lost more than £200,000 in a romance fraud lasting from 2020 to 2022. The report says he recovered the money but continued to experience emotional harm. PSNI accountability report
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