The latest ‘Barclays Scams Bulletin’ highlights how more romance scams took place in July last year than any other month, as Barclays warns those looking for love to remain vigilant to potential scams. It also highlights how men appear more likely to fall victim to romance scams, while women lose 2.5 times as much money as men in romance scams.

The research figures featured in the report from Barclays show that one in three singletons (34 per cent) is more open to dating in the summer months, which may account for why July accounted for 12 per cent of all romance scam claims last year.

Kirsty Adams, Fraud and Scams Expert at Barclays, also points out where these scams are most prevalent, saying: “Social media platforms and dating apps are by far the biggest sources of romance scams, which is no surprise considering how the dating landscape has changed over the years”. 

Barclays says the advice for anyone who has been targeted is to “report it to their bank and to open up to family and friends for emotional support”.