North Yorkshire Police have issued a warning over a worrying increase in romance fraud cases, as organised crime groups increasingly use artificial intelligence to deceive victims into handing over thousands of pounds.
The force says it has received several concerning reports over the past month, reflecting a growing trend in which criminals exploit technology to create convincing fake identities, phone calls and even video chats.
Romance fraud typically involves offenders spending weeks or even months building trust and emotional connections with victims before asking for money. Common excuses include emergencies, investment opportunities or the promise of finally meeting in person. In some cases, fraudsters even pretend to be celebrities admired by their victims.
Rachel Graham, North Yorkshire Police’s Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer, said organised crime groups were becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods.
She warned that AI-generated content is now being used to imitate famous people, making scams appear more convincing than ever. As part of the deception, suspects may even send gifts to victims to strengthen the illusion of a genuine relationship.
Ms Graham said those targeted are often vulnerable because of their age, health or personal circumstances, including people experiencing loneliness after the death of a partner or the breakdown of a relationship.
Latest figures released by the City of London Police reveal that romance fraud victims lost more than £102 million over the past year. A total of 10,784 reports were made to Action Fraud during the same period, representing a 29 per cent increase compared with 2024.
The average victim lost around £9,500, although in some cases losses reached as much as £1 million.
Detective Superintendent Oliver Little said romance fraud is particularly damaging because it exploits trust and emotional connections, with the psychological impact often lasting long after the financial losses.
Analysis shows people aged between 55 and 74 suffered the greatest financial losses, accounting for almost half of the money stolen. Investigators also say romance fraud continues to be closely linked to social media and dating platforms, where offenders can easily create convincing fake profiles enhanced by AI-generated images and messages.
