A fake dating profile for a 72-year-old widow received 124 messages in 30 days, with 29 showing classic scam behaviour – meaning almost one in four messages were suspicious. Eight messages had financial undertones, mentioning crypto, investing, gift cards, banking issues or family emergencies.
Experiment Reveals Speed of Targeting
Private investigation firm Adley Barton set up a profile for "Margaret", described as retired, lonely, living alone and looking for companionship after her husband's death. The profile was posted on several well-known dating platforms. The firm did not message anyone first; where messages appeared genuine, they were ended without further engagement.
The first suspicious messages arrived within 48 hours of the profiles going live. The experiment recorded an average of almost one suspected scam-style message per day.
Scale of Romance Fraud
Figures from City of London Police show that 10,784 reports of romance fraud were made in 2025, with victims losing more than £102 million, or on average £9,500 per victim.
A spokesperson for Adley Barton said: "This was only a small experiment, but it shows how quickly vulnerable people can be targeted online. When you know what to look out for, it's easy to spot, but for people who have never experienced this before, it's easy to fall into the trap."
How Scammers Operate
According to the firm, scammers often try to take conversations away from dating apps to avoid safety filters. They push victims to platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram, where there are fewer protections. After building a relationship over days or weeks, the pressure to send money begins, often through a fabricated crisis such as money worries or a family member's sudden illness.
Other red flags include refusing to answer calls, sending generic daily messages, mentioning crypto or investment opportunities, and using stolen or AI-generated images.
Advice for Families
If you suspect an elderly relative is being targeted, approach the situation carefully. Accusing them directly may cause them to defend the scammer or hide their activities. Signs to watch for include secrecy with their phone or receiving messages at unusual times.
