Romance Scams
Fraudsters build fake romantic relationships online to emotionally manipulate victims into sending money. These are among the most psychologically damaging scams.
Dr. James Harrington
Surgeon · Working in Dubai 🇦🇪
"Looking for something real and meaningful..."
How it works
Creates a fake profile on dating sites, social media, or apps
Builds trust over weeks or months through messages and calls
Creates emotional dependency before any request for money
Asks for money for emergencies, travel, or investments — then disappears
Warning signs
- They never agree to video call or meet in person
- They claim to be working abroad (military, oil rig, doctor)
- Their profile photos look like model shots
- They quickly profess love or strong feelings
- They ask for money or gift cards
You are not to blame
These scams are sophisticated psychological operations. Your bank may still be liable for failing to flag unusual transfers. We handle your claim with full discretion and sensitivity.
Client Success Story
"I'm embarrassed to say I was in contact with someone for almost six months. He claimed to be a widowed engineer working in Nigeria. I sent money for emergencies, his flight home, and finally an 'investment opportunity'. When I told my daughter she urged me to contact Refund United. They were completely non-judgmental and got most of my money back."
Susan K.
Leeds · Romance scam victim
Amount recovered
£22,000
How we helped: We presented evidence that the client's bank had failed to intervene on repeated large transfers to overseas accounts over an extended period, and that a vulnerable customer policy had not been applied. The bank reimbursed £22,000 without escalation to the FOS.
