Romance scam reports have jumped with a surge in Gen Z victims – Lloyds figures

As Lloyds Banking Group confirms it has recorded a 24 per cent jump in romance scam reports over the past year, Dr Rasha Kassem, senior academic and leader of the Fraud Research Group at Aston University, argues that banks, dating apps and tech firms need to do more to identify and disrupt fraud before it occurs.

She said: “The reported 24 per cent increase in romance fraud is deeply concerning, particularly the sharp rise in victimisation among younger adults. However, we should first be careful about the language we use. We should consistently use the term ‘romance fraud’ rather than ‘romance scam’. ‘Scam’ is an informal term without a legal definition and can minimise the seriousness and impact of fraud. Research has also cautioned that such language can inadvertently reinforce perceptions that victims were naïve or somehow responsible for their victimisation. Fraud is a serious crime, and our language should reflect that.

“These figures also remind us that romance fraud can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or background. The 59 per cent increase in reports involving 18-to-24-year-olds is therefore worrying. Being confident with technology does not necessarily protect someone from fraud because romance fraudsters exploit trust, emotional attachment and human relationships, rather than simply a lack of digital knowledge.

“At the same time, the substantial losses experienced by older victims demonstrate how devastating the financial consequences can be. Financial loss, however, tells only part of the story. Victims may also experience profound emotional and psychological harm after discovering that a relationship they believed was genuine was constructed to defraud them.

“We therefore need to move beyond expecting members of the public to protect themselves. Raising awareness and helping people recognise romance fraud remain crucial, but prevention and victim support must be a shared responsibility.

“Banks, technology and dating platforms, law enforcement and other organisations need to do more to identify and disrupt fraud before losses occur. Equally, victims need appropriate, compassionate and informed support. Police officers, victim-support organisations, banks, GPs, families, friends and others whom victims approach can all play an important role.

“The central message should be clear: preventing romance fraud and supporting those affected by it cannot be left to victims alone.”