- 63 – 66 Hatton Garden London, EC1N UK
Page Updated: 15.06.25
Is it an Online Dating Scam Europe?
Low Cost Detectives Is it an online dating scam europe? Protect Your Heart and Wallet with Professional Online Dating Verification.
In today’s digital world, online romance can be wonderful, but it can also hide serious risks. Romance fraud, catfishing, fake profiles and advance fee scams are on the rise across Europe, targeting thousands of hopeful singles every year. Don’t let scammers steal your trust or your money.
At Low Cost Detectives, our expert investigators specialise in online dating verification and background checks worldwide. We help you confirm the true identity of anyone you’re communicating with on social media or dating platforms, giving you peace of mind before you invest your time or emotions.
Get in Touch with our Expert Dating Scam Detectives
The Growing Threat of Online Dating Scams in Europe
Online dating scams have reached record levels across Europe, with thousands of people falling victim each year. Reports of romance fraud and catfishing continue to rise, and the financial losses are staggering.
Many victims lose thousands, sometimes tens of thousands, of pounds or euros. Seniors and those seeking genuine relationships are particularly vulnerable, but no one is immune.
Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics. Increasingly, they use artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to create highly convincing fake profiles, manipulate photos and videos and impersonate real people. These advanced tools make it harder than ever to spot a scammer before it’s too late.
The most common types of online dating scams include:
Romance scams, where emotional bonds are exploited for money
Catfishing, using fake identities and stolen photos
Fake profiles and impersonation on dating apps and social media
Military scams, with fraudsters posing as soldiers or officers
“Pig butchering” schemes, which combine romance and investment fraud
Sextortion and blackmail, often involving stolen or manipulated images
Advance fee fraud and fake dating sites
The emotional and financial impact of these scams can be devastating, with victims often suffering long-term consequences. As technology advances, so do the risks, making professional verification more important than ever.
Who is at Risk From Online Dating Scams?
Anyone looking for love or companionship online can become a target of a dating scam. However, certain groups are especially at risk.
Seniors and individuals over 50 are often targeted due to their openness, life circumstances, or unfamiliarity with the latest digital threats.
At the same time, younger users face new dangers from AI-generated profiles and deepfake scams.
Scammers use powerful psychological tactics to manipulate their victims, such as:
Rushing emotional connections and professing love very quickly
Avoiding video calls or in-person meetings, often with elaborate excuses
Requesting money for emergencies, travel, or medical issues
Sharing inconsistent stories or frequently changing details
Moving conversations off dating platforms to private messaging apps
Using professional-looking or too-perfect photos
No matter your age or experience, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and verify the identity of anyone you meet online. If something feels off, trust your instincts and consider our professional background checks for peace of mind.
Explore More Detective Services
If you need help with other types of investigations such as background checks, fraud detection, or corporate inquiries our experienced team is ready to assist. Discover the full range of discreet and professional solutions we offer to individuals and businesses across Europe.
Visit our Detective Services A-Z page to find the right service for your needs.
We have over 300 Branches worldwide specialising in Catfish & Online Dating Fraud. Find our full European branch list here. Is it an online dating scam europe? Let us find out for you today.
Our success rate in Catfish & Online Dating Fraud Cases is second to none. Contact us without delay today and get the answers you deserve.
How Our Online Dating Verification Works
Our online dating verification service is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and peace of mind before you invest your emotions or finances in an online relationship. Here’s how our process works:
Profile and Identity Checks:
We thoroughly investigate the person or profile you’re communicating with, verifying names, locations, employment, and other key details.Reverse Image Searches:
Our investigators check profile photos across global databases to detect stolen images or those commonly used in scams.Social Media and Background Checks:
We search for a genuine online presence, reviewing social media accounts, digital footprints, and any inconsistencies in their story.Analysis for AI/Deepfake Content:
Our team uses advanced tools to spot signs of AI-generated photos, deepfake videos, or manipulated content that scammers increasingly use.Fraud and Scam Pattern Detection:
We compare communication patterns and behaviours against known scam tactics, identifying warning signs that may not be obvious to the untrained eye.
Your privacy is our top priority. Every enquiry is handled with complete confidentiality, and our services are available internationally. So no matter where you or your online connection are located, we can help.
Warning Signs: Is Your Online Romance a Scam?
Online scammers are skilled at emotional manipulation and deception. If you notice any of the following red flags, it’s time to be cautious and consider a professional verification:
Reluctance or refusal to video call or meet in person
Inconsistent stories, changing details, or evasive answers
Requests for money, gifts, or financial help—often for emergencies, travel, or medical expenses
Emotional manipulation, such as professing love or urgency very quickly
Use of fake, overly professional, or model-like photos
Urgent requests to move conversations off the dating platform to private channels
Avoiding questions about their background or refusing to share everyday details
Claims of being in the military, working overseas, or in a situation that makes meeting difficult
If any of these signs sound familiar, don’t ignore your instincts. Our verification service can help you find out the truth and protect yourself from potential harm.
Real Stories & Statistics
Real Stories from Our Clients
“I started chatting with someone on a popular dating app who seemed perfect. Handsome, attentive, and always available. But when he began asking for money to help with a supposed family emergency, I got suspicious. Low Cost Detectives quickly found out that his photos were stolen from a model’s Instagram and his story matched known scam patterns. Their report saved me from losing thousands and a lot of heartbreak.”
“After months of online romance, my partner suddenly needed funds for a business deal abroad. I reached out for a background check, and within days, the investigators confirmed he was using a fake identity linked to multiple scams across Europe. I’m so grateful I checked before sending any money.”
Key Statistics on Online Dating Scams in Europe
Romance scam reports in the UK rose by 20% in the first quarter of 2025, with most scams originating on dating apps and social media.
The average loss per victim in Europe is now around £15,000, with some cases exceeding €25,000.
One in four online daters globally reports being targeted by a dating scam, and over half encounter suspicious profiles weekly.
Deepfakes and AI-generated profiles are a growing threat—19% of single Brits have been deceived by deepfakes on dating apps, and 75% believe they’ve encountered AI-generated profiles.
Seniors and those over 50 are especially vulnerable, representing almost half of all romance scam victims.
In the last five years, UK victims lost an estimated £410 million to romance scams.
These figures highlight the urgent need for vigilance and professional verification before trusting anyone met online.
Why Choose Our Romance Scam Service?
Our team consists of experienced, highly trained investigators who specialise in online dating and romance scam detection.
We offer global coverage with local expertise across Europe, ensuring your case is handled by professionals who understand regional trends and tactics.
Our checks are fast, discreet, and thorough, providing you with clear answers and peace of mind—often within days.
We offer support without judgment. Our focus is on facts, your safety, and helping you make informed decisions about your online relationships.
F.A.Q Low Cost Detectives Is it an online dating scam europe
Please find a list below of frequently asked questions and answers
Online dating scammers often display certain warning signs: they may avoid video calls or in-person meetings, ask for money or financial help, share inconsistent stories, or try to move conversations off the dating platform quickly. Many use fake or stolen photos, claim to be working or travelling abroad, and may profess love unusually quickly. If you notice any of these red flags, it’s wise to seek professional verification before proceeding further.
Our process includes a thorough check of the person’s identity, background, and digital footprint. We use reverse image searches to spot stolen or AI-generated photos, analyse social media and public records, and look for patterns associated with known scams. Our investigators also assess for signs of deepfake content and other advanced deception tactics. Every check is handled discreetly and confidentially, and we can verify individuals worldwide.
Absolutely. Confidentiality is central to our service. We never disclose your identity or the details of your case to third parties. All communication and findings remain strictly private, and your safety and peace of mind are always our top priorities.
If you suspect you’ve been targeted or have already lost money to an online dating scam, contact our team immediately. We have specialist tools and experience to help trace and identify the scammer, gather crucial evidence and advise you on the best course of action. In many cases, we can also assist with steps to help recover your lost funds, where possible.
Before taking any further action, keep all lines of communication open with the individual and carefully preserve all messages, emails and transaction records. This ongoing contact can provide valuable information that our experts can use to help trace and identify the scammer. We will guide you step by step through the process, assist you in gathering the necessary evidence and advise you on the best strategies for potential recovery of your funds. Don’t face this alone. Reach out to us first for confidential, practical help tailored to your situation.
Yes. Our investigators have global reach and experience verifying identities and backgrounds across all major dating apps, social media platforms, and regions. Whether your connection claims to be in Europe, the UK, or anywhere else in the world, we can help you get the answers you need to make informed decisions about your online relationship.
Low Cost Detectives Is it an online dating scam europe Interesting Links and Articles:
Barclays – Online Dating at 30: Romance Scam Surge in 2025
Barclays reports a 20% year-on-year rise in romance scams in 2025, with most originating on social media and dating platforms. The article highlights the growing sophistication of scams in Europe and urges vigilance for anyone using online dating services.
Nordic Welfare Centre – The Harsh Realities of Romance Scams
This June 2024 analysis reveals that 1–3% of Europeans report being victims of romance scams, with police data from Finland and Sweden showing millions lost annually. The article details scam tactics, victim profiles, and the emotional and financial toll of online dating fraud across Europe.
Gen Digital – 2025 Norton Cyber Safety Insight Report: Online Dating
The 2025 Norton report finds that over half of online daters encounter suspicious profiles weekly, and one in four have been targeted by a dating scam. It highlights the use of AI by scammers, common red flags, and the importance of caution when forming online relationships in Europe and globally.
Is it an Online Dating Scam Europe? Russia – Germany – France – (UK) United Kingdom – Spain – Italy – Ukraine – Poland – Romania – The Netherlands – Andorra – Armenia – Albania – Austria – Azerbaijan – Belarus – Belgium – Bosnia – Bulgaria – Croatia – Cyprus – Czech Republic – Denmark – Estonia – Finland – Georgia – Greece – Hungary – Iceland – Ireland – Kazakhstan – Kosovo – Latvia – Liechtenstein – Lithuania – Luxembourg – Malta – Moldova – Monaco – Montenegro – Norway – North Macedonia – Portugal – San Marino – Serbia – Slovakia – Slovenia – Sweden – Switzerland – Turkey – Vatican City