More than 100 Hertfordshire residents have lost money to romance scams since the beginning of 2025.

The victims reported losses totalling £1.14m, with residents in Watford and St Albans losing around £5,000 each, another Stevenage resident also lost £4,000 after sending money to people they had met online.   

The fraudsters target their victims in various ways often using dating apps or simply making contact via social media. The victims are usually told stories of how their new 'friend' needs money for medical bills or to pay for them to visit them. The fraudsters will often make claims that they work on oil rigs, for the US military or as aid workers etc around the world. 

Detective Inspector Pete Hankins, from the Serious Fraud and Cyber Unit, said: "When making contact with someone online, use the same caution as you would if you met someone on the street. If you are looking for potential romance it can be difficult to refuse a plea for help, but take some time to think if the person you have been talking to is being genuine. If you have never met someone in person, how can you be sure that are who they say they are?

"Some fraudsters can spend months or even years grooming potential victims and if you hand over money or gifts, they tend to carry on the scam taking as much as they can get until the victim realises, or they have nothing left to give."

How to protect yourself from romance fraud:

Never send money: If you're in a relationship with someone you've only met online, any requests for money should ring an alarm bell. However sad or urgent their story is, never send money (that includes vouchers, cryptocurrency or money for investments). Report anyone who asks for money to the dating service immediately.

Get to know the person, not the profile: Treat people as you would if meeting in person, by asking questions and taking your time. Check the person online using Google image search or TinEye to see if their profile pictures can be found elsewhere online. Be cautious about how much information you share, and keep your social media accounts private and secure.

Talk to friends and family: Sometimes a second opinion can really help if you are uncertain about something, such as being asked for money by someone you're in an online relationship with. Be wary if you meet someone online who asks you not to tell anyone about them.

If you suspect fraud or have sent money to someone you're now suspicious of, call 159 to speak to your bank. This is a national hotline which most banks have signed up to.

Visit www.actionfraud.police.uk and www.herts.police.uk/cyber-fraud for advice on avoiding scams.