Romance scams are a new category of online fraud, according to recent research from Tinder. Victims who lose more than £2, 000 on average are particularly vulnerable, especially students and recent graduates.
Love Island star Georgia Steel has joined forces with Tinder and Get Safe Online in a bid to protect young people from online romance scams.
Freshers and recent graduates are increasingly falling victim to a new type of online scam, specifically targeting those looking for love. Romance scams are on the rise and duping even the tech-savviest young adults, with an average reported loss of £2,228 per scam.
According to new research findings commissioned by Tinder, 44% of students and graduates admitted to sharing personal details online with someone they have never met in person; details including their university address, phone number and even their bank information.
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When it comes to online dating, this readiness to trust is leaving young people vulnerable to exploitation. The findings show that 65% of the 2,000 18-24 year-olds surveyed overlooked something they considered a warning sign in the past because they wanted to have fun.
Last year, Georgia opened up about being scammed by someone she was dating. A year after appearing on the Love Island, Georgia had begun dating a wealthy American called Miguel Johnson, who had showered her with gifts.
However, he was actually found guilty of lying and was actually connected to a fraudster named Medi Abalimba, who was once a football player and appeared on Crystal Palace and Liverpool’s books. She later learned that he had defrauded two unsuspecting chauffeurs and record label manager, raising the total cost of his deceptions to more than £170, 000.
After admitting 15 counts of fraud between January and March 2021, the con artist from Camden was imprisoned for four years and two months.
Georgia said: “I had no idea he was a convicted fraudster.” She spoke on the Secure The Insecure podcast in 2023. Another error was made, but we learned a new lesson. Although it was undoubtedly a traumatic experience, I now see the light and believe I’ve recovered from it. In my opinion, it serves as a way to illuminate other young men and women. You never believe it will be you.
Tinder’s research also indicates that scams are becoming harder to spot, with 63% of those surveyed saying romance scams now sound more convincing than ever.
Detective Superintendent Oliver Little at the City of London Police, the National Lead Force for fraud, says romance scams are particularly common during the first weeks of university. “Romance fraud isn’t just about stolen money – it’s about stolen trust. For many students, freshers week marks a new chapter filled with excitement and possibility, but it also brings heightened vulnerability.
“Criminals know this and exploit it, often using charm and emotional manipulation to deceive victims.” Little emphasises that romance scams affect everyone “regardless of age, gender, or experience” but that stigma still exists around reporting, especially among younger demographics.
A manipulative criminal saw an opportunity and seized it by being targeted by a romance fraud, not because you’re naive. According to the survey results from Tinder, 31% of those who were defrauded said they didn’t speak out because they felt embarrassed.
Data from the City of London Police collected between 2024 and 2025 reveals that among 18-24 year olds who reported being defrauded, the average loss was £2,228 per scam, with young men aged 18–24 making up 64% of victims – double the rate of young women.
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To help students feel confident meeting new people as they start the new term, Tinder is joining forces with Get Safe Online and Georgia to share tools that will help them stay scam-smart online.
It’s simple to let your guard down, Georgia said, referring to the need to be aware of romance scams. My counsel? Enjoy the experience, but continue to be scam-smart by listening to your gut and asking questions. I regret not receiving this kind of support sooner.
In the UK this September, Tinder will also release an in-app Swipe Card to help students identify potential romance scams. It will offer quick, easy-to-follow advice to students during Freshers Week to help them date more confidently and safely.
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Source: Mirror
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