"Lloyds recorded a 52 per cent rise in romance scams among victims aged over 55 over 2024/25, compared with the previous year. Its analysis was based on scams reported by Lloyds Banking Group customers, which includes the brands Halifax and Bank of Scotland, as well as Lloyds. It compared romance scam reports in the 12 months to July 2025 with scam reports made in the previous 12-month period."
"Lloyds said 55 to 64-year-olds are the most targeted age group, making up a fifth (20 per cent) of romance scam victims, followed by those aged 65 to 74, who make up 18 per cent of cases, according to its data. Alongside the jump in reports involving over-55s, Lloyds has also seen a 20 per cent annual rise in cases involving victims aged 35 to 44."
"According to Lloyds' data, the most common occupations claimed by romance scammers are: Military personnel. Scammers often claim to be soldiers, perhaps stationed overseas or in conflict zones. Oil rig workers. This excuse is used frequently by scammers, both male and female, which they claim makes communication difficult, Lloyds said. Other common occupations scammers claim to hold are business owners, engineers and doctors, often claiming to be working abroad in conflict zones or on humanitarian missions."
Reports of romance scams against people aged over 55 rose 52% in 2024/25 compared with the previous year, based on Lloyds Banking Group customer reports. The comparison covered the 12 months to July 2025 against the prior 12-month period. People aged 55–64 account for 20% of victims, and those aged 65–74 account for 18%. Cases involving victims aged 35–44 rose 20% annually. Victims aged 75–84 suffer the largest average loss at 8,068, while the overall average loss across all age groups is 5,219. Scammers commonly claim occupations such as military personnel, oil rig workers, business owners, engineers and doctors to explain being hard to contact or working abroad.
Read at www.independent.co.uk
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]