Dating safely
Most people you meet are exactly who they say. These habits protect you from the few who aren’t.
Report fraud in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Report Fraud replaced Action Fraud on 4 December 2025. Report online at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040, and call your bank straight away if you have sent money.
In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101
Report Fraud does not cover Scotland. Call Police Scotland on 101, and contact your bank on a number you know is genuine, such as the one on the back of your card.
Source: Police Scotland: Romance fraud
Keep your address private and tell a friend
Do not share your home address, full name or workplace too early, and never send money to someone you met online. Before a first date, tell a friend where you will be and keep your phone on.
Source: Get Safe Online: Keep online dating safe this Valentine's, and every day
Further readingOur sister site Smooch explains how romance fraud works and how to report a romance scam in the UK. WhichDating, our sister review site, explains the signs of a dating scammer.