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Today is Valentine’s Day — a time when many people are looking for connection. Sadly, it’s also a peak period for romance fraud. Offenders often take advantage of the day to send sudden emotional messages, love‑bombing, or urgent requests for financial help. How Romance Fraudsters OperateFraudsters may: Send unexpected Valentine’s messages to build quick emotional attachment.Claim they’ve bought you a gift but need money for delivery fees or customs charges.Pretend they’ve had a Valentine’s Day emergency and urgently need funds.Suggest meeting up but then create a crisis that requires you to pay for travel or accommodation.Signs It Could Be a ScamRapid expressions of love or pressure to move conversations onto private apps.Excuses not to meet or video call.Stories involving overseas work, military postings, or sudden personal crises.Any request — however small — for money, vouchers, bank details, or investment opportunities.Protect Yourself This Valentine’s DayNever send money or personal financial information to someone you haven’t met.Be cautious if someone tries to isolate you or ask you to keep the relationship secret.Reverse‑image search profile photos to check if they’re fake.Talk to friends, family, or a trusted contact if something doesn’t feel right.If You’re ConcernedContact your bank immediately if you think you’ve transferred money.Report fraud to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.Ring 999 if someone is in immediate danger. | 
