Bank of Ireland is urging consumers to stay alert as romance fraud continues to rise sharply, with cases reported to the Bank almost doubling in 2025 compared to the previous year. The true scale of the problem may be even higher, as many victims feel too embarrassed or ashamed to report what has happened.
Romance fraud typically begins on social media, dating websites or apps, where criminals build emotional connections before exploiting victims for financial gain.
How Romance Fraudsters Operate:
- Create fake profiles on dating apps, websites, and social media.
- Use elaborate stories—such as working overseas, being in the military, or travelling for a high-pressure job—to justify why they cannot meet or join a video call.
- Send frequent, intense messages that quickly escalate to declarations of love.
- Request money, often citing medical emergencies, urgent travel needs, family crises or financial hardship. These stories are designed to trigger sympathy and create pressure.
Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud, Bank of Ireland, is encouraging consumers to remain vigilant: “Romance fraudsters are deeply manipulative. They often create tragic backstories – a dying relative, illness, or financial crisis – to win sympathy. The key message is simple – never send money to someone you’ve only chatted to online.
“Real relationships take time to build, but scammers will profess undying love quickly. If an online relationship is moving too fast and suddenly involves money, it’s likely to be fraud. Much of this type of fraud starts through social media platforms, so these companies need to play their part in shutting it down quickly.”
How to Protect Yourself
- Be cautious with new online relationships—take time to verify who you’re speaking to.
- Never send money to someone you haven’t met face?to?face.
- Be wary if they avoid video calls or repeatedly cancel plans to meet.
- Notice inconsistencies in their stories.
- Remember: celebrities do not message fans asking for money.
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member if something feels off.
If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
- Stop communicating with the individual immediately.
- Report it to your bank, An Garda Síochána, and any relevant platforms such as dating sites or social networks.
Bank of Ireland Emergency Fraud Line is available 24/7, Freephone: 1800 946 764.
| Case study – How romance fraud works:
In a recent Bank of Ireland case, Anne, a woman in her 60s who had been recently widowed, received what appeared to be a friendly connection request on Facebook. The man who contacted her explained that he, too, had lost his spouse. Over time, their conversations became more personal, and across several months, he carefully built trust and an emotional connection with Anne. As the relationship deepened, the individual claimed he was experiencing temporary cash-flow difficulties in his business. He told Anne he urgently needed funds to repair a broken machine, reassuring her that the issue was short-term and that he would repay her quickly. Believing she was supporting someone she cared about, Anne agreed to help. What began as a small transfer soon escalated into repeated requests for more money. Fortunately, Bank of Ireland’s fraud team identified the pattern as a likely romance scam and intervened before further losses occurred. Anne’s experience is far from unique. Fraudsters deliberately target people who may be feeling lonely, isolated, or simply seeking companionship – using emotional manipulation to create trust, then exploiting that trust for financial gain. |
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