Romance Scam: How to Report & Document Your Case (UK 2026)

Romance scams — also known as "pig butchering" — are the fastest-growing type of fraud in the UK. Victims lose an average of £10,000-£20,000, often over weeks or months of emotional manipulation. If this has happened to you, this guide explains exactly how to document your case and report it effectively.

How Romance Scams Work

Romance scammers are professional criminals operating from organised call centres. They create fake profiles on dating apps (Tinder, Bumble, Hinge), social media (Instagram, Facebook), or messaging platforms (WhatsApp, Telegram). The scam follows a calculated pattern:

1. The approach: An attractive profile contacts you. They are often "abroad" (military, oil rig, business trip) to explain why they cannot meet.
2. The grooming: Over days or weeks, they build emotional intimacy. They share "personal" stories, send photos (stolen from real people), and express deep affection.
3. The pivot: Once trust is established, they introduce money. Either a "crisis" (medical emergency, legal trouble, travel costs) or an "investment opportunity" (crypto trading, forex).
4. The extraction: You send money — once, twice, then repeatedly. Each time there is a new reason. If you hesitate, they use guilt, urgency, or threats of ending the relationship.
5. The disappearance: Eventually they vanish, or demand ever-larger sums until you stop paying.

Evidence to Collect

Romance scam cases require specific evidence that proves both the deception and the financial loss:

Communication Evidence

• Chat exports: Full WhatsApp/Telegram chat history (use the "Export chat" feature)
• Dating app messages: Screenshot all conversations before the account disappears
• Email threads: Save as PDF or screenshot
• Voice messages/calls: Note dates, durations, and phone numbers used
• Photos received: Save all photos they sent (these may be traceable via reverse image search)

Financial Evidence

• Bank statements: All transfers to the scammer's accounts
• Crypto transactions: Wallet addresses and transaction hashes
• Gift cards: Receipts and card numbers if you sent gift cards
• Wire transfer receipts: Western Union, MoneyGram confirmations

Identity Evidence

• Profile screenshots: Their dating/social media profiles
• Phone numbers: All numbers they used
• Bank details they provided: Account names and numbers for receiving payments
• Any "documents" they shared: Fake IDs, passports, or contracts

Where to Report in the UK

• Report Fraud (reportfraud.police.uk) — File your official fraud report
• Your bank — Request a fraud investigation and potential reimbursement
• The dating platform — Report the fake profile so it gets removed
• National Crime Agency — For large-scale or international cases

Why a Forensic Report Helps

Romance scam victims often feel overwhelmed and ashamed. The thought of explaining months of conversations to a police officer is daunting. A forensic report solves this by presenting your case professionally:

• Clear timeline of the manipulation
• Total financial loss with payment evidence
• Legal classification (Fraud Act 2006, s.2 — fraud by false representation)
• Fund tracing showing where the money went
• Formal statement ready for police submission

Generate Your Report with TraceProof

You do not need to relive the entire experience in a police station. TraceProof guides you through a simple, private questionnaire. Upload your evidence, and our AI generates a complete forensic report and fraud statement — structured, professional, and ready to submit to Report Fraud.

No judgment. No waiting. Just the documentation you need to take action.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a romance scam (pig butchering)?

A romance scam, also called "pig butchering," is where a criminal builds a fake romantic relationship online to gain trust, then manipulates the victim into sending money or investing in fraudulent schemes. The term "pig butchering" refers to the criminal's strategy of "fattening" the victim with affection before "slaughtering" them financially.

How much do romance scam victims lose on average in the UK?

The average loss to romance scams in the UK is approximately £10,000-£20,000, though some victims lose over £100,000. The emotional manipulation makes victims send money repeatedly over weeks or months, often depleting savings, taking loans, or remortgaging property.

Is it embarrassing to report a romance scam?

There is absolutely no shame in being a victim. Romance scammers are professional criminals who use sophisticated psychological techniques refined over thousands of victims. Reporting helps protect others and may lead to recovery of funds. Police and support services are trained to handle these cases with sensitivity.

Can romance scam money be recovered?

Recovery is possible, especially if you act quickly. Bank transfers may be recoverable under the CRM Code. Crypto payments can sometimes be frozen at exchanges if traced within days. A detailed forensic report significantly improves your chances by giving authorities actionable intelligence.