Research

Online romance scams create a global pattern of financial devastation that goes far beyond an individual bank account. The Federal Trade Commission reported that romance scams accounted for 64,003 reports and $1.14 billion in reported losses in the United States in 2023, with a median loss of $2,000 per person, the highest reported losses among imposter scam categories. The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center reported 17,910 confidence/romance fraud complaints and $672 million in losses in 2024. On a broader scale, the Global Anti-Scam Alliance and Feedzai’s 2024 Global State of Scams Report estimated that scams of all types stole US$1.03 trillion globally in one year, and only a small percentage of victims fully recovered their money. These figures likely understate the true harm because shame, fear, and self-blame often keep victims from reporting.

The psychological and emotional trauma of romance scams can be as damaging as the financial loss. Research reviews describe romance scams as a form of cybercrime that leaves victims “heartbroken,” financially harmed, and emotionally devastated because the crime is built on manufactured intimacy, trust, and betrayal. Survivors may experience grief, humiliation, anxiety, depression, isolation, self-doubt, and difficulty trusting themselves or others again.

Families are also affected: loved ones may feel anger, confusion, helplessness, guilt, or frustration as they try to understand how the deception happened and how best to support recovery. Globally, romance scams create a ripple effect that reaches beyond the victim, damaging relationships, family stability, financial security, mental health, and community trust.

International Financial Losses

The Reported and Estimated Financial Losses

Country	Reporting Agency	Local Currency Lost (Reported)	USD Equivalent (Reported)	Estimated Losses (80% Increase – Local)	Estimated Losses (80% Increase – USD)	Data Year
United States	FTC	$1.30 Billion USD	$1.30 Billion	$2.34 Billion USD	$2.34 Billion	2022
United Kingdom	Action Fraud	£96.6 Million GBP	$124.6 Million	£173.88 Million GBP	$224.28 Million	2023
Canada	CAFC	$50.3 Million CAD	$37.2 Million	$90.54 Million CAD	$66.96 Million	2023
Australia	Scamwatch (ACCC)	$34.3 Million AUD	$22.7 Million	$61.74 Million AUD	$40.86 Million	2023
New Zealand	CERT NZ / Netsafe	$14.5 Million NZD	$8.8 Million	$26.10 Million NZD	$15.84 Million	2022
Singapore	Singapore Police Force	$35.7 Million SGD	$26.5 Million	$64.26 Million SGD	$47.70 Million	2022

Data on reported financial losses due to romance scams in key countries. Based on official government fraud reporting agencies.

Note: USD conversions reflect exchange rates at the time of reporting. Actual losses are estimated to be significantly higher worldwide, as an estimated 80–90% of romance scam victims do not report the crime to law enforcement due to stigma.

For a broader overview of how romance scams impact consumers and how these statistics are tracked, check out this news segment on the FTC Romance Scam Data. This video highlights reported loss totals and details common tactics used by scammers online.

**Data collected from the internet on September 21, 2026

Intimate ‘Partner Violence Statistics’

Did you know?

137 women and girls killed every day by intimate partners or family members in 2024.

50,000 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or family members in 2024 – one every 10 minutes – according to new data released November 2025 by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women, with levels unchanged despite years of global commitments.

Victims of Police-reported Family Violence and Intimate Partner Violence

Victims of intimate partner violence, women and girls	Victims of intimate partner violence, men and boys
554	138
552	141
522	134
499	132
469	126
452	124
463	127
466	129
475	130
489	129
517	142
526	145
541	148
542	151
553	156
553	158