Love’s a Scam: Romance Fraud Soars 20% as Cupid’s Arrows Hit Wallets Instead
Romance scam reports soared 20% in early 2025, with online dating platforms playing Cupid for con artists. Barclays warns that older folks are prime targets, losing up to £19,000. With scammers weaving love stories faster than Shakespeare, tech companies are urged to take up arms and fend off these modern-day heartbreakers.
Hot Take:
Oh, the modern romance! Where love in the time of the internet turns into a tale of deception and heartbreak, proving once again that not all that glitters is a genuine love connection. It seems like today’s Casanovas and Cassandras don’t need roses or chocolates; they just need a good WiFi connection and a convincing sob story. Who knew that swiping right could end up swiping your bank account clean too?
Key Points:
– Romance scam reports have surged by 20% in the first quarter of 2025.
– Average financial loss to victims increased significantly from 2023 to 2024.
– Older individuals are more frequently targeted, suffering higher losses.
– Men make up a significant proportion of scam victims and financial losses.
– Experts advocate for tech companies to implement stronger verification measures.