Sophisticated romance fraud scammers are using AI-generated celebrity impersonations and gifts to ‘love bomb’ vulnerable victims

During the past month, we have received several such concerning reports.

This reflects a growing trend as organised crime groups at home and overseas utilise new technology to dupe people out of thousands of pounds.

Romance fraud typically involves sustained contact, with offenders carefully building trust and emotional attachment with the victim before creating a situation where the victim feels they should send them money.

Often, they use stories linked to emergencies, investment opportunities, or plans to meet in person including with celebrities who they admire and trust.

Rachel Graham, North Yorkshire Police’s Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer, said: “This may seem far-fetched, but it is important for everyone to be on their guard that organised crime groups are increasingly using AI-generated content to replicate phone calls and video chats with seemingly famous people to commit romance fraud.

“As part of the initial grooming, suspects sometimes send victims a series of gifts making them feel it is a real connection and a potential relationship in some cases.

“Sadly, people targeted by such crimes tend to be vulnerable people due to their age, health or personal circumstances. This includes feeling lonely after losing a partner through death or divorce.

“Criminals prey on these vulnerabilities to manipulate victims into sending them significant amounts of money.

“This is horrendously upsetting once it becomes apparent that they have maliciously been lied to.”

City of London Police recently revealed that victims of romance fraud had more than £102 million stolen from them last year.

Data shows 10,784 reports were made to Report Fraud during the past 12 months - a 29% increase compared with 2024.

Police believe this rise is partly driven by increased awareness and confidence in reporting, but it also highlights the ongoing scale and impact of a crime that often unfolds over weeks or months.

Overall losses equate to almost £280,000 every day, with individual victims having an average of £9,500 stolen from them. In some cases, reported individual losses reached as high as £1 million.

Detective Superintendent Oliver Little, from the Lead Force Operations Room at the City of London Police, said: “Romance fraud is particularly harmful because it targets trust and emotional connection. Offenders will often spend significant time building what appears to be a genuine relationship before attempting to exploit their victim financially.

“While the monetary losses can be substantial, the emotional impact is often just as damaging. This crime can affect anyone, and by reporting it, people targeted help us build intelligence, disrupt offenders and protect others from harm.”

Analysis shows people aged 55 to 74 suffered the greatest financial losses, accounting for almost half of the total amount stolen. Although men submitted a higher number of reports overall, women experienced greater financial losses, making up just over 40 per cent of the total value reported.

Romance fraud remains closely linked to online platforms, particularly social media and dating sites, where offenders can easily create convincing false profiles.

Investigators are also seeing increased use of AI‑generated images and messages to support fraudulent identities.

Warning signs to look out for…

• Individuals who develop relationships very quickly or express strong feelings early on
• Excuses not to meet in person or to avoid live video calls
• Wanting to send money, cryptocurrency or gift cards to someone you have not met face‑to‑face
• Talk of investments, medical emergencies or travel costs
• You feel you are unable to or don’t want to talk about the relationship with friends or family
• The person you are communicating with doesn’t like it when you use ways to protect yourself from fraud

If you are worried about you or someone you know falling victim to romance fraud…

• Speak to a trusted friend or family member if you want to send money

• Reverse-image search profile and other photos you are sent
• Actively let the person know you are fraud aware and will be protecting yourself (if they don’t like it, this is a key warning sign)
• If you want to move money, listen to your bank and follow their advice to stop if they tell you they are concerned.

Reporting romance fraud…

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted is encouraged to report it to Report Fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. If money has already been transferred, they should contact their bank immediately. Every Report Counts.

Visit Stop! Think Fraud for more information on types of fraud and ways to protect yourself from them. visit https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/

 

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