Romance Fraud Response Toolkit for Organisations & Charities
Introduction
Many organisations and charities support communities that include situationally vulnerable individuals—people who, due to life circumstances, may be at a higher risk of fraud and exploitation. Romance fraud and online scams are designed to manipulate trust and create emotional dependency, making it crucial that staff respond to fraud disclosures with compassion, non-judgmental language, and proactive support.
This toolkit provides guidance on how to recognise potential fraud cases, engage sensitively with individuals who may have been coerced, and take action to ensure victims feel supported and empowered to seek further help.
1. Recognising Signs of Fraud Among Vulnerable Individuals
Fraudsters often target those experiencing personal challenges such as bereavement, loneliness, financial difficulties, or health concerns. Common indicators include:
- Unusual financial transactions – Sudden requests for money transfers to unfamiliar recipients.
- Secrecy or distress when discussing online relationships – Hesitation, defensiveness, or shame when asked about new online contacts.
- Rapid emotional attachment to an online figure – Expressing strong emotions for someone they’ve not met in person.
- Requests to keep secrets – Being told by the scammer not to tell friends, family, or support staff about the relationship.
- Repeated attempts to send money despite warnings – Individuals who believe they are helping someone they care about.
2. Responding to Reports of Fraud with Sensitivity
If someone discloses that they have been defrauded, their emotions may range from shame and self-blame to fear and confusion. A supportive and non-victim-blaming response is essential to prevent further distress.
DO say:
✔️ “I’m really sorry this happened to you. You are not alone, and we are here to support you.”
✔️ “Scammers use very sophisticated tactics to build trust—this is not your fault.”
✔️ “It makes sense that you trusted this person. They were deliberately trying to manipulate you.”
✔️ “Would you like some guidance on what to do next and how to protect yourself moving forward?”
✔️ “We can help connect you with organisations that specialise in fraud recovery and emotional support.”
AVOID saying:
❌ “Why did you send them money?”
❌ “Didn’t you realise it was a scam?”
❌ “You should have been more careful.”
❌ “There’s nothing we can do now.”
3. Supporting Victims in the Aftermath of Fraud
Victims of romance fraud often suffer more than just financial loss—they experience deep emotional trauma from the betrayal of trust. Your role is to provide a safe space and offer practical next steps.
- Encourage reporting to relevant authorities – Guide them on reporting to Action Fraud (UK), IC3 (USA), or their national fraud agency.
- Help secure their finances – Advise them to contact their bank for potential fraud recovery measures.
- Offer emotional support resources – Connect them with LoveSaid or mental health services or support groups close to them.
- Encourage digital safety measures – Suggest changing passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and limiting public information on social media.
- Reinforce that healing takes time – Help them understand that emotional recovery is a process, and they are not alone.
4. Strengthening Fraud Awareness in Communities
Organisations and charities can play a proactive role in fraud prevention and awareness by:
- Providing regular fraud education sessions – Workshops or online materials on identifying scams.
- Creating a safe disclosure culture – Encouraging individuals to speak up without fear of shame or judgment.
- Training staff in scam recognition and response – Ensuring frontline workers can identify and support potential victims.
- Implementing clear reporting pathways – Making it easy for victims to report concerns and get help.
- Sharing real-life case studies – With permission, sharing anonymised stories to illustrate common fraud tactics.
Final Thoughts
Fraudsters exploit trust, emotions, and personal vulnerabilities. Organisations and charities have a unique opportunity to protect, support, and empower those who may be at risk.
By fostering a non-judgmental, understanding, and proactive approach, we can create safer communities where individuals feel confident seeking help without fear of blame.
Compassion matters. Language matters. How we respond matters.