New figures have revealed that victims in North Yorkshire and York lost more than £1.5 million to romance fraudsters in 2025.
Cruel romance fraudsters stole more than £1.5 million from victims across North Yorkshire and York last year, according to new figures released by North Yorkshire Police.
Data for 2025 shows there were 86 reports of romance fraud in the area, with total financial losses reaching £1,509,853.
The scale of the issue is even more stark on a national level, with 10,784 reports and losses exceeding £102 million during the same period.
Analysis of the national figures, provided by the City of London Police, indicates that individuals aged between 55 and 74 suffered the greatest financial losses, accounting for almost half of the total amount stolen.
While men submitted a higher number of reports overall, women typically experienced greater financial losses.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said:
"Romance fraud can happen to anyone - regardless of age, gender, or background. It is closely linked to online platforms, particularly social media and dating sites, where offenders can easily create convincing false profiles."
Investigators have noted an increased use of artificial intelligence-generated images and messages to support these fraudulent identities.
The police warn that in many cases, romance fraud is linked with fake investment opportunities, including cryptocurrency. These hybrid frauds further increase the financial risk to victims.
The spokesperson added:
"This kind of crime is particularly harmful because the criminals target trust and emotional connection. They 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, victims help us build intelligence, disrupt offenders and protect others from harm."
Officers are urging residents to protect themselves and their loved ones by following crucial safety advice and remaining cautious when forming relationships online.
Warning signs include individuals who develop relationships very quickly or express strong feelings early on, as well as those who make excuses not to meet in person or avoid live video calls.
Other red flags involve requests to send money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to someone who has not been met face-to-face, or talk of investments, medical emergencies, and travel costs.
Victims often feel unable to, or do not want to, talk about the relationship with friends or family. Additionally, fraudsters may react negatively when individuals use methods to protect themselves from fraud.
To stay safe, police advise speaking to a trusted friend or family member before sending any money. They also recommend conducting a reverse-image search on profile pictures and other photos received.
The force issued further guidance:
"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."
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