Medium riskRomanceUK wide
'Mum sent them £140,000': How to spot the signs a loved one is being scammed
Helen discovered her mum was in the grip of a romance scam - here's how she found out and broke her free.
How this scam works
Helen discovered her mum was in the grip of a romance scam - here's how she found out and broke her free.
Why we flagged this: Reported in the last 6 hours. Losses over £100,000 reported. Impersonates a well-known UK organisation.
Warning signs
- You were contacted out of the blue
- You are being rushed into acting quickly
- You are asked for money, card details or a security code
- The message or caller is not who they claim to be
What to do
- Do not reply, tap any link, or ring any number in the message.
- If it claims to be your bank, hang up and call 159 instead.
- Forward suspicious texts to 7726 and emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
- Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
If it has already happened to you
This happens to sensible, careful people every day. What matters now is acting quickly.
- Ring your bank straight away if you have paid or shared details.
- Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 and keep the reference number.
- Change any password you shared, from a different device.
- Talk to someone you trust. Victim Support is free on 0808 168 9111.
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Check a messageLast updated 29 September 2026. Source: BBC UK.