FOS Reports Hundreds of Romance Scam Complaints
March 31, 2026
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has reported a rise in complaints linked to romance scams, with around 500 cases brought by consumers who say they were persuaded to send money to individuals they believed they trusted.
FT Adviser also highlights the wider scale of the issue, reporting that around 14,000 scam complaints were reviewed overall.
In many of these cases, payments were made willingly, but under false pretences. Once the money has been sent, many people assume there are no further options available. That is not always the case.
If you’ve lost money through a romance scam in the UK, in some cases you may be able to make a complaint. However, outcomes depend on how the payment was made and what happened at the time.
You can learn more about how romance scam complaints work and whether your situation may be worth reviewing.
What Is a Romance Scam?
Romance scams, often referred to as dating scams, involve someone building trust with you over time so that it feels like a real relationship before asking for money.
This often happens through:
- dating apps
- social media
- messaging platforms
Requests for money may be linked to:
- emergencies
- travel costs
- investment opportunities
- medical situations
In many cases, the payments feel genuine at the time, which is why these scams are often assessed differently from unauthorised fraud.
It’s also common in this type of scam for multiple payments to be made over time, rather than as a single transaction.
When Can You Make a Complaint?
In some situations, people who have lost money through a romance scam may still be able to raise a complaint. However, this depends on how the payment was made and what happened at the time.
Why Romance Scams Often Become APP Fraud
Many romance scams fall under what is known as Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud.
This is where:
- you are persuaded to send money
- the payment is authorised by you
- but the situation is based on false information
Payments are commonly made via:
- bank transfer
- payment apps
- sometimes cryptocurrency
In many situations, payments are made gradually over time, which can make it harder to recognise what is happening in the moment.
Because the payment is authorised, the outcome of any complaint often depends on the specific details of what happened.
Why Romance Scam Complaint Outcomes Can Differ
Not every romance scam complaint leads to a successful outcome. Some complaints may be upheld, while others are not, depending on the circumstances.
Decisions can depend on:
- how the payment was made
- what warnings or checks were provided
- how the situation developed over time
- what information was available to the bank
Given the volume of fraud and scam complaints being handled, each case is assessed on its own facts and circumstances.
What To Check If You’ve Lost Money to a Romance Scam
If you’ve been affected by a romance scam in the UK, it’s worth reviewing the details before taking action.
Key points to consider:
- Who received the payment (individual, company, or platform)
- How the payment was made (bank transfer, card, app, crypto)
- Whether any warnings were given by your bank
- The timing and pattern of payments
- Any messages, emails, or evidence linked to the situation
These details can influence what complaint options may be available.
What Are Your Options After a Romance Scam?
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to:
- raise a complaint with your bank or payment provider
- escalate your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service
- explore whether any other routes or organisations may be relevant, depending on the situation
Your bank, and if needed the Financial Ombudsman Service, will look at what happened and make a decision based on the details of your case.
How Compensation Adviser Can Help
Compensation Adviser assesses cases involving:
- romance scams
- bank transfer scams
- APP fraud
- investment and financial losses
We review what happened and help identify which complaint routes may be available, based on the circumstances.
Important Information
You don’t have to use our service to make a complaint.
You can complain for free to your bank or the business involved or to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (if eligible)
Our success fee is 15% + VAT of any compensation, capped at £7,500 + VAT.
No win, no fee (cancellation charges may apply).
No guarantee of success or compensation.
Compensation Adviser is a trading name of Pension Claim Consulting Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 829766).
FAQs
Can you get money back after a romance scam in the UK?
In some cases, there may be grounds to raise a complaint. Outcomes depend on the circumstances, including how the payment was made and what happened at the time.
What is APP fraud?
APP (Authorised Push Payment) fraud is when you are persuaded to send money to a fraudster. It is common in bank transfer scams, including romance scams.
Does it matter how I paid the scammer?
Yes. The method of payment can significantly affect what complaint routes may be available and how your case is assessed.
Are banks responsible for romance scam losses?
Banks may be required to consider whether they responded appropriately to the situation, depending on the circumstances of each case.
About the Author
Compensation Adviser is a trading name of Pension Claim Consulting Ltd, a UK-based claims management company authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 829766). The firm supports individuals in understanding their options following financial losses, including scams, fraud, and investment-related complaints.