The figures reveal that online dating fraud in the UK is on the rise, with a 33% increase in fraud cases in 2014 compared to 2013 and costing the UK public £34 million compared to £24.5 million in the previous year.

There is also a significant rise in reported fraud cases from April 2013 to May 2014, suggesting that in the blissful wake of Valentine’s Day people may become more susceptible to romance scams, letting their heart rule their head.

The figures also demonstrate exactly how and where fraudsters are choosing to exploit their victims. 54% of fraud sufferers paid by money transfer (E.g. Money Gram or Western Union) narrowly followed by payments taken directly from bank accounts, which was the payment method used by 37% of victims.

Please see our article on  Romance Fraud – Not to Night Darling for details on how to recognize fraudsters and take preventative action.