--- title: "How to Report a Romance Scam UK | Smooch" description: "Report a romance scam UK: step-by-step covering Action Fraud, your bank, the dating platform, police, and victim support." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.smooch.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Safety", "item": "https://www.smooch.com/safety/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "How to Report a Romance Scam UK", "item": "https://www.smooch.com/safety/how-to-report-romance-scam-uk/" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "How to Report a Romance Scam in the UK: Step-by-Step Guide", "description": "How to report a romance scam in the UK: step-by-step guide covering Action Fraud, your bank, the dating platform, police, and victim support. Plus money recovery options.", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Laurie Clarke" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Smooch", "url": "https://www.smooch.com" }, "datePublished": "2026-02-28", "dateModified": "2026-04-01", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.smooch.com/safety/how-to-report-romance-scam-uk/", "articleSection": "Safety" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do you report a romance scam in the UK?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Report to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040), contact your bank immediately to stop payments, report the profile to the dating platform, and preserve all evidence." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the step-by-step process for reporting?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Contact your bank first to stop payments, then report to Action Fraud, report the profile on the dating platform, and preserve all evidence." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What evidence should you collect?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Screenshot all messages, profile photos, email addresses, phone numbers, payment references, and any links shared β€” before the scammer deletes their account." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you get your money back after a romance scam?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Recovery depends on payment method β€” bank transfers may be recoverable under the CRM Code, credit card payments have Section 75 protection, but cryptocurrency is rarely recoverable." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What support is available for romance scam victims?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Multiple organisations offer emotional support, practical advice, and advocacy for romance scam victims β€” all services are confidential." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do verified platforms help prevent romance scams?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Multi-layered verification at registration makes it significantly harder for scammers to create fake profiles, reducing the number of victims before the first message is sent." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "HowTo", "name": "How to Report a Romance Scam in the UK", "description": "Step-by-step guide to reporting a romance scam in the UK, from contacting your bank to filing with Action Fraud.", "step": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 1, "name": "Stop all payments immediately", "text": "Call your bank's fraud line and request they recall or freeze payments to the scammer." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 2, "name": "Preserve all evidence", "text": "Screenshot messages, profile photos, phone numbers, email addresses, and payment records." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 3, "name": "Report to Action Fraud", "text": "Call 0300 123 2040 or report online at actionfraud.police.uk. Keep your crime reference number." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 4, "name": "Report to the dating platform", "text": "Use the platform's report function to remove the scammer's account." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 5, "name": "Report to local police", "text": "Call 101 or visit your local station, especially if the scammer has your personal details." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 6, "name": "Contact Victim Support", "text": "Call 0808 168 9111 for free, confidential emotional and practical support." } ] } ] --- [![Smooch](/assets/smooch-light-Du4HGwkQ.webp)Est. 2001 ](/) Safety Dating Guides Company [Log In](https://members.smooch.com/login)[Join Free](https://members.smooch.com/join) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Safety](/safety) 3. How to Report a Romance Scam UK # How to Report a Romance Scam in the UK: Step-by-Step Guide Last Updated: March 2026 ![Woman reporting a suspicious dating profile on her phone](/assets/report-scam-BuJuqlyv.jpg) ## How Do You Report a Romance Scam in the UK? πŸ’‘ Report to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040), contact your bank immediately to stop payments, report the profile to the dating platform, and preserve all evidence. If you believe you've been targeted by a romance scam β€” or if you've already sent money β€” acting quickly gives you the best chance of stopping further loss and potentially recovering funds. This step-by-step guide covers exactly what to do, who to contact, and in what order. Time matters. The faster you report to your bank, the higher the chance of intercepting or reversing payments. Every hour of delay reduces the likelihood of recovery, as scammers move funds through multiple accounts rapidly. ## What Is the Step-by-Step Process for Reporting? πŸ’‘ Contact your bank first to stop payments, then report to Action Fraud, report the profile on the dating platform, and preserve all evidence. **Step 1: Contact your bank immediately.** Call your bank's fraud line (usually on the back of your card) and explain the situation. Request that they attempt to recall or freeze any payments made to the scammer. Under the Contingent Reimbursement Model (CRM) Code, many UK banks have committed to reimbursing victims of authorised push payment (APP) fraud in certain circumstances. If you paid by credit card, you may have additional protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. **Step 2: Preserve all evidence.** Before the scammer deletes their profile or messages, screenshot everything: their profile (including all photos), every message, their phone number if shared, email addresses, any payment references, and any links they sent you. Save these to a secure location. This evidence will be needed by Action Fraud, your bank, and potentially the police. **Step 3: Report to Action Fraud.** Action Fraud is the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. You can report by phone (0300 123 2040, Monday–Friday 8am–8pm) or online at [actionfraud.police.uk](https://www.actionfraud.police.uk). You'll receive a crime reference number β€” keep this for your bank and any further correspondence. **Step 4: Report to the dating platform.** Every dating platform has a report function. On Smooch, use the in-profile report button or email safety@smooch.com directly. Reporting helps the platform remove the scammer's account and prevent them from targeting others. **Step 5: Report to the police.** While Action Fraud handles national coordination, you should also report to your local police force if the scammer has personal information about you (address, workplace), if you feel in danger, or if you want a local investigation alongside the national one. Call 101, or 999 if you feel in immediate danger. **Step 6: Contact Victim Support.** [Victim Support](https://www.victimsupport.org.uk) (0808 168 9111) provides confidential emotional and practical support. Being targeted by a romance scam is a traumatic experience β€” you deserve support regardless of whether money was lost. Step Action Who to Contact Priority 1 Stop all payments immediately Your bank's fraud team URGENT β€” do this first 2 Preserve all evidence Yourself β€” screenshots, downloads URGENT β€” before deletion 3 Report to Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 / actionfraud.police.uk Within 24 hours 4 Report the profile on the platform Platform's report/safety function Within 24 hours 5 Report to your local police 101 (or 999 if in danger) As needed 6 Contact Victim Support 0808 168 9111 (free, confidential) When you're ready ## What Evidence Should You Collect? πŸ’‘ Screenshot all messages, profile photos, email addresses, phone numbers, payment references, and any links shared β€” before the scammer deletes their account. Evidence is critical. Without it, investigations are significantly harder and money recovery becomes less likely. The moment you suspect a scam, start preserving everything before the scammer has a chance to delete their accounts and messages. Use your phone's screenshot function to capture full conversations, profile pages (including the URL if visible), and any photos they shared. Download bank statements showing payments made. If they sent you links to websites or investment platforms, screenshot those too β€” they may be taken offline quickly. Evidence Type Where to Find It How to Preserve Why It Matters Profile screenshots Dating platform Screenshot (include URL) Identifies fake identity All messages Platform / WhatsApp / email Screenshot or export Shows manipulation pattern Profile photos Dating platform Save images / screenshot Reverse image search Phone numbers Call/message history Note all numbers used Traceable by police Email addresses Your inbox Note all addresses used Traceable by police Payment records Bank statements, crypto wallet Download statements Required for investigation Links shared Message history Screenshot with URLs May lead to fake sites Social media profiles Facebook, Instagram, etc. Screenshot including URL May reveal connected accounts ## Can You Get Your Money Back After a Romance Scam? πŸ’‘ Recovery depends on payment method β€” bank transfers may be recoverable under the CRM Code, credit card payments have Section 75 protection, but cryptocurrency is rarely recoverable. The honest answer is: it depends. Your chances of recovery vary significantly based on how you paid. UK bank transfers offer the best prospect, particularly if reported quickly and if both the sending and receiving banks are CRM Code signatories. **Important warning:** Be wary of "recovery scams." After reporting a romance scam, some victims are contacted by people claiming to be recovery specialists who can get their money back β€” for a fee. This is almost always a second scam targeting the same victim. Legitimate recovery processes happen through your bank and law enforcement, not through private companies that charge upfront fees. The CRM Code is voluntary and not all banks are signatories. Contact your bank to understand their specific policy. Payment Method Recovery Mechanism Likelihood Time Frame UK bank transfer CRM Code reimbursement Moderate β€” varies by bank 15–35 business days Credit card Section 75 / chargeback Good 30–120 days Debit card Chargeback Moderate 30–120 days Cryptocurrency No standard mechanism Very low Variable / unlikely Gift cards Contact retailer Very low (redeemed instantly) Variable Wire transfer (international) Contact sending bank Low Variable Cash (collected in person) Police report Very low Variable ## What Support Is Available for Romance Scam Victims? πŸ’‘ Multiple organisations offer emotional support, practical advice, and advocacy for romance scam victims β€” all services are confidential. Being targeted by a romance scam is not a reflection of your intelligence or judgment. These are sophisticated, targeted crimes run by professional criminals who manipulate human emotions for profit. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The emotional impact of romance fraud β€” betrayal, shame, depression, loss of trust β€” can be as damaging as the financial loss. The organisations below provide confidential support tailored to fraud victims, and all services are free. Organisation Contact Services Victim Support 0808 168 9111 Emotional support, practical help, advocacy Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 Crime reporting, investigation referral Citizens Advice citizensadvice.org.uk Financial and legal guidance Samaritans 116 123 (24/7) Emotional support if distressed Think Jessica thinkjessica.com Specialist scam victim support Age UK 0800 169 6565 Support for older victims ## How Do Verified Platforms Help Prevent Romance Scams? πŸ’‘ Multi-layered verification at registration makes it significantly harder for scammers to create fake profiles, reducing the number of victims before the first message is sent. The most effective defence against romance scams is prevention. Smooch's five-layer verification β€” government ID, credit card, email validation, AI photo detection, and human moderation β€” creates multiple barriers that a scammer must overcome to create even a single fake profile. On unverified platforms, a scammer can create dozens of accounts in hours. On Smooch, each account requires independently verifiable real-world credentials. The economics of scamming simply don't work when every fake profile requires a stolen government ID, a valid credit card, an established email, real photos, and the ability to pass human review. Prevention is always better than reporting. While this guide helps you respond effectively if you've been targeted, choosing a verified platform in the first place significantly reduces the risk of ever needing it. ### Related Pages [β†’ Online Dating Safety Guide](/safety/)[β†’ Romance Scam Statistics UK](/safety/romance-scam-statistics-uk/)[β†’ What Is Romance Fraud?](/safety/what-is-romance-fraud/)[β†’ How to Spot a Catfish](/safety/how-to-spot-a-catfish/)[β†’ How Smooch Keeps You Safe](/safety/how-smooch-keeps-you-safe/) ### Explore More Guides [β†’ Dating Guides Hub](/guides/)[β†’ First Date Tips](/guides/first-dates/)[β†’ Profile Tips](/guides/profile-tips/)[β†’ Relationship Advice](/guides/relationships/)[β†’ Online Dating Safety](/safety/)[β†’ Compare Dating Apps](/compare/)[β†’ Free Dating Guide](/free-dating/) ### Ready to Make Real Connections? Join thousands of verified singles who chose trust over swiping. [Join Smooch β†’](https://members.smooch.com/join) ![Smooch](/assets/smooch-light-C64Ez_zs.png) Real People. 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