Essex Victims Lose Over £5.5 Million to Dating Scams as UK Total Hits £271 Million

Hundreds of people in Essex have lost millions of pounds to dating scams over the last three years, according to new figures from Action Fraud.

From April 2022 to March 2025, a total of 549 dating scam cases were reported in Essex, with victims losing a combined £5.57 million. That works out to an average loss of around £10,142 per person—just below the UK average of £10,324.

Across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, there were 21,976 cases reported in that period, with total losses reaching a staggering £271 million. Greater London was hit the hardest, with 2,635 reports and more than £47 million lost.

The number of dating scams is rising fast. In the 2024/25 financial year alone, Action Fraud received 8,122 reports—17% more than the previous year. For the first time ever, losses from dating scams in a single year passed £100 million, totaling £102.2 million.

Who is being targeted?

Men reported the most dating scams—over 10,600 cases—losing nearly £99 million. But while fewer women reported being scammed (8,892 cases), they lost more money overall—£145.5 million—averaging £16,370 per case, almost double the average loss for men.

Transgender victims reported even higher average losses, with over £1 million stolen in total. That works out to a shocking average of £27,234 per case.

The average age of a victim has also increased slightly each year, from 47 years old in 2022/23 to 49 in 2024/25.

Massive individual losses

While the average loss per report is around £10,000, some people lost much more.

• 533 victims lost between £50,000 and £100,000

• 390 lost between £100,000 and £250,000

• 101 lost between £250,000 and £500,000

• 57 people reported losses of over £500,000

Dating apps not always the source

Even though online dating apps are often associated with scams, only 6% of reports mentioned dating platforms. Many scams happen through other channels where fraudsters pretend to build a romantic relationship and slowly gain their victim’s trust.

Support for victims

Lisa Mills from Victim Support says romance fraud is more than just a financial issue. “It’s emotionally devastating,” she said. “Victims are often left feeling embarrassed and broken. But it’s important to remember—this is not their fault. These scammers are professional manipulators.”

A spokesperson from JF Law, a UK firm helping victims of dating fraud recover their money, added: “No one deserves to be scammed. Everyone deserves support.”

If you’ve been affected by a dating scam, you can report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk, or get emotional support from Victim Support by calling 08 08 16 89 111.