EditorRomance scam victims left devastated as dating fraud surges across South Wales
New figures show an 18% rise in dating scams reported to South Wales Police over the past three years — and a further 16% increase in the Dyfed‑Powys area — as fraudsters exploit loneliness, trust and the search for companionship.
Hundreds caught up in scams that ‘destroy confidence’
Across South Wales, 448 people reported being tricked by romance scammers since 2022. In Dyfed‑Powys, 294 victims came forward over the same period.
Behind each statistic is a personal story: people who believed they had found a genuine connection, only to discover they were being manipulated for money.
Experts say victims often lose far more than cash — many are left ashamed, isolated and afraid to trust again.
More than £100m stolen in a single year
Across the UK, dating scammers stole a staggering £106m in 2024/25 alone. That’s up from £92.8m just two years earlier.
Reports have risen by more than 1,400 cases a year since 2022, with 9,449 victims coming forward in the most recent financial year. But specialists warn the true figure is likely far higher, as many people never report what happened to them.
Men increasingly targeted
While women continue to report around 3,500 cases a year, the number of male victims has risen sharply — up 7.5% since 2022. Reports from men climbed from 3,984 to 4,296 over three years.
Cases involving people who did not specify their gender surged by more than 300%.
Younger and middle‑aged adults most at risk
Despite the stereotype of older victims, the data shows romance fraud affects all ages.
More than 17% of cases involved people aged 20–29, while 31% were reported by those aged 40–59. Just 11% of victims were aged 70 or over.
‘Devious manipulators’ exploiting trust
Stuart Lythgoe, a fraud‑recovery specialist at Romance Scams Advice, said the emotional toll can be severe.
Stuart Lythgoe said:
“Scammers prey on the trust of vulnerable people, and with huge sums of money often at stake, the results can be psychologically damaging as well as financially harmful.”
He urged people to be cautious when asked for money by someone they have never met in person.
Stuart Lythgoe said:
“People should always be wary when sending money, particularly to anyone asking for money who they have never met, as the risk of fraud is increased dramatically.”
He said recovering lost funds is an important part of holding perpetrators to account and helping victims rebuild their lives.
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