Summary: Greater Manchester is one of the hardest hit regions in the UK for romance fraud, with millions lost to fake online relationships every year. Knowing how these scams work and where to report them locally is the best protection.
If you’re searching for a private investigator, M19 Solutions is here to help.
Meeting someone online has become one of the most normal ways to start a relationship, and for most people it works out exactly as hoped. For a growing number of others across Greater Manchester, it ends in months of manipulation and a financial loss that can run into tens of thousands of pounds. At M19 Solutions we have over two decades of experience and more than 1,000 cases behind us, with every operative drawn from a police or military background, and romance fraud is a problem we see up close.
This article looks at how serious the issue has become locally, how romance scams and catfishing connect and what to do if you think you or someone you know has been targeted.
The Scale of the Problem in Greater Manchester
This is not a rare or distant problem. Greater Manchester Police’s Economic and Cyber Crime Unit recorded 267 reports of romance fraud across the region in a single year, with victims losing a combined £2.93m. Since May 2025 the unit has helped recover £2.8m of that money, working directly with victims and their banks to try to claw funds back.
The wider picture is just as stark. A separate analysis of Action Fraud data found that Manchester and the surrounding region lost £7.35m to dating scams across 689 reported cases over a three year period, placing Greater Manchester among the hardest hit areas in the country, behind only London and the Thames Valley.
These are not isolated incidents involving naive or inexperienced people. Cases handled locally have included professionals in their fifties persuaded to hand over hundreds of thousands of pounds, and older residents targeted through fake celebrity accounts on social media. Fraudsters are patient, convincing and increasingly well organised.
How Romance Scams and Catfishing Work Together
Catfishing, the use of a fake identity to build an online relationship, is almost always the starting point for a romance scam. A fraudster creates a profile using stolen photographs and a fabricated backstory, then spends weeks or months building trust before any request for money appears. We have covered the mechanics of this in detail in our guide to what catfishing actually involves and the warning signs that someone online may not be who they claim, both worth reading if something already feels off.
The financial request itself usually follows a familiar pattern once trust has been established. Common excuses include a medical emergency, a stranded relative, unexpected travel costs or a business opportunity that needs urgent funding. The details vary, but the emotional pressure and the urgency rarely do.
How to Protect Yourself
Being cautious does not mean giving up on online dating altogether, but a few habits make a genuine difference. Stay within the messaging function of a dating app or platform for as long as possible, rather than moving quickly to WhatsApp or text. Be wary of anyone who avoids video calls or always has a reason why meeting in person is not quite possible yet.
Never send money, gift cards or financial details to someone you have not met face to face, no matter how convincing or urgent the story sounds. If a relationship has been entirely online for weeks or months and money enters the conversation, that is the moment to pause and get a second opinion from someone you trust.
If you already suspect you are dealing with a fake identity rather than a real relationship, our catfish investigator service can establish who is really behind a profile, using lawful checks rather than guesswork.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Targeted
If you believe you or someone you know has been the victim of a romance scam, report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, as soon as possible. Early reporting gives banks and investigators the best chance of tracing and recovering funds, as Greater Manchester Police’s own recovery figures demonstrate.
Alongside reporting, our fraud investigation team can help establish exactly what has happened, gather evidence and support any action taken with the bank or the police. Acting quickly matters far more than most victims realise at the time.
Speak to Experienced Private Investigators in Manchester
Romance fraud thrives on secrecy and shame, and the sooner it is brought into the open, the better the chances of limiting the damage. Whether you need clarity on someone’s real identity or support after money has already been lost, you do not have to work through it alone.
If you need help getting to the truth, our private investigators Manchester team can support you with discretion and experience.
M19 Solutions is based in Manchester and works across the whole of Greater Manchester and beyond. Every operative has a police or military background and specialist training, we are ICO registered, IPI members and fully insured, and every case is handled in complete confidence with evidence prepared to a court-ready standard.
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call 0161 706 0057 or email info@m19solutions.co.uk and we will talk you through your options.
Frequently asked questions about romance scams and catfishing
How does romance fraud connect to catfishing?
Catfishing is usually the first stage of a romance scam. A fraudster builds a fake identity and relationship before introducing a financial request, so spotting the fake identity early is often the best way to avoid the financial harm that follows.
How can I tell if I’m being catfished?
Warning signs include a reluctance to video call or meet in person, inconsistent details about their life and photos that feel too polished or professional. Our guide on spotting a catfish covers the signs in more depth.
What should I do if I think I’m a victim of a romance scam?
Stop all contact and do not send any further money. Report the matter to Action Fraud and your bank as soon as possible, since early reporting significantly improves the chances of recovering lost funds.
How do I report a romance scam in Greater Manchester?
Report it to Action Fraud online or by phone, which shares information directly with Greater Manchester Police’s Economic and Cyber Crime Unit. You can also contact your bank immediately to flag any payments made.
