romance fraud awareness week uk Ayshim, 28 September 202528 September 2025 Mark your calendars, Peoples. Romance Fraud Awareness Week, UK is coming and this event will be surrounding World Romance Fraud Prevention Day. As we have just concluded Scam Awareness Week in Australia—25 – 29 August—we now have two more important dates to prevent romance fraud around the world. I am absolutely delighted to let you know that a fellow anti-scam sister and an expert in romance fraud, Anna Rowe, has founded Romance Fraud Awareness Week, UK, but don’t let the ‘UK’ bit fool you; anyone from any country is welcome. I met Anna through another romance scam victim shortly after discovering that the person I was talking to for five months was a scammer from Nigeria. How do I know he was from Nigeria? It’s all because of Anna. She helped me find out using her resources, which she accumulated over the years, dealing with romance fraud. Romance Fraud Awareness Week UK is from 29th September through to the 4th October—and surrounds World Romance Fraud Prevention Day, which is on the 3rd of October. But what is Romance Fraud Awareness Week UK, really? Well, Romance Fraud Awareness Week UK is a week for all stakeholders to share best practices. As Anna says: “Romance Fraud Awareness Week is a time to spotlight the progress we’ve made, whether in policing, banking, social media, dating platforms or support services. There is good work happening, and it matters. But true leadership also means knowing when to hold up a mirror. We must celebrate not just our wins, but our willingness to admit where we’ve fallen short, because that’s where real change begins. When we turn a blind eye, dodge accountability or protect reputations over people, we become complicit in someone else’s abuse. Acknowledgement isn’t weakness; it’s the start of doing better. And victims deserve nothing less.” The ContributorsLet me start with the founders of Romance Fraud Awareness Week UK: Anna Rowe and Tracy Grummett. Anna is the founder of Catch the Catfish and co-founder of LoveSaid. Tracy Grummet is a dedicated victim advocate with more than eight years of experience. Anna’s Background in her own words: “I became an advocate because I know how isolating and devastating romance fraud is. Speaking out gives a voice to those who can’t. It challenges stigma and pushes for real change. You are not alone – we deserve protection, justice, and a system that truly supports us.” And, Tracey Grummet is a dedicated victim advocate with over eight years of experience combating online fraud. Her journey began after becoming the target of a romance scam, inspiring her to raise awareness, investigate scams, and support others through education and guidance. She’s also domestic abuse survivor. Here are the other contributors to Romance Fraud Awareness Week UK: Becky Holmes – Author of Keanu Reeves is Not in Love with You and Fraud Fighter Debbie – Fraud Fighter, Victim, Advocate and an Awesome Human BeingDebbie is the creator of wolfbait_2, a platform she founded after being targeted by a romance scammer in 2018. Since then, she has dedicated herself to learning how scammers operate and sharing that knowledge to help others, using social media and community networks to raise awareness and prevent online fraud. Debbie is a friend of mine whom I’ve met in person after talking and working together online. I added a day to my UK trip to meet her, and that day will be a memory I cherish for the rest of my life. I’ve never met anyone like her in my entire life before. Despite what life threw at her, she is still a selfless person who’s trying to help others. She treats everyone within our victim support group like family. She was also the person who showed me my own life purpose. Everything was so clear after meeting her and I will forever be indebted to her for this clarity. You know, some people teach you what you need to do by creating an example? She was the one for me. At the end of the day, all that pain and suffering didn’t go to waste. You can read about her journey into fighting against fraud of any kind here. Kathy Waters – Co-Founder and Executive Director, Advocating Against Romance Scammers (AARS)Simon Newman – CEO of Online Dating and Discovery Association (ODDA)Laura Lehane – Head of Financial Crime & MLRO at AJ BellPeter Taylor – The Fraud GuyAleks Ring – Fraud Prevention, Forensic Accountant and Crypto ComplianceCecilie Fjellhøy – Host of Love Con Revenge, Tinder Swindler, Co-Founder LoveSaidCIFAS – Fraud Prevention, Personal and BusinessCifas is the UK’s fraud prevention community. For over 30 years we have worked with hundreds of organisations to stop fraud and our community is made up organisations from across the sectors, including most banks, credit providers and telecommunication companies, who join Cifas as members. Global Partners Advocating Against Romance Scammers (AARS)Fake LoveOperation Shamrock Romance Fraud Awareness Week UK ScheduleThere is an itinerary for each day during the week. 29 September – For Victims and SurvivorsOn September 29, the focus will be on victims and survivors: a day to honour the survivors of romance fraud. Here’s what’s happening on day 1: Stories That Speak the TruthA series of anonymised or first-name-only video stories and testimonies, sharing what it was like to be drawn into and rise out of romance fraud. Feature Video: “More Than a Scam”A short, powerful compilation of survivor voices exploring the emotional and psychological toll, because it’s not just about the money. Live Survivor-Led WebinarHosted by Tracey Grummett and Deb, along for the ride is Cecilie Fjellhøy from The Tinder Swindler and Love Con Revenge. These ladies will answer your questions, and there will be a reading from Keanu Reeves is not in Love with You by Becky Holmes herself. Toolkit Drop: ‘Talking to Others About What Happened’A new downloadable guide for survivors navigating conversations with friends, family, police, banks, and therapists. Your Ideas for Future CampaignsAn open invitation for victims to submit campaign or awareness ideas anonymously. We’ll spotlight powerful suggestions later in the week, your voice will shape the next wave of change. Wall of Words: Virtual Survivor Quotes GalleryShare a sentence, a quote, or a moment that stayed with you. Visitors will scroll through messages from survivors across the UK and beyond. Downloads Wellbeing posters Self-care information leaflet There will also be links to trusted support groups and peer communities, trauma-informed therapists and helplines, as well as tools for recovery, including checklists, fraud reporting, and emotional safety guides. GiveawaysAt the end of the week, all the entries for the ‘Future Campaigns’ ideas section will be read, and the most innovative one will be chosen. There will be a first-place and runner-up prize. First place will receive a copy of Becky Holmes’ book, and the runner-up will receive a LoveSaid mug. 30 September – Dating and Social Media PlatformsOn September 30, the focus will be on dating and social media platforms. In other words, platform accountability day. Here’s what’s happening on day 2: Toolkit Drop: “What Platforms Need to Know About Romance Fraud”A practical, data-informed guide to recognising romance fraud as abuse, not just a ‘Community Guideline’ violation. “The Profile That Never Existed” Visual FeatureA campaign showcasing common fake profile patterns used by romance fraud networks, with real victim input. Evening Webinar: “Q and A with community idea suggestions”An opportunity for dating platform users—globally—to ask questions and make suggestions about the current position of the platforms with regards to user safety, what they feel works well and what they may like to see in the future. You can join the meeting on 30th September 2025 at 8pm U.K time. The link is on the website. Open Letter: From Survivors to PlatformsA powerful collective letter written by victims and advocates. Outlines what platforms must do: from pre-upload image scanning to meaningful identity verification and survivor-led policy reviews. Innovation Panel: Tech Tools That Could Stop ThisExploration of how AI moderation, facial clustering, scam detection APIs, and partnership with law enforcement could change the landscape, if platforms were willing to collaborate?What is being done right now that wasn’t last year? Can we scale this across all platforms?What platforms are currently collaborating? If not, why not? Downloadable Resources from Online Dating and Discovery Association (ODDA)Avoid Scams: Rules for the RoadDate Safe: Adventure Awaits 1 October – Financial Institutions and BanksOn October 1, the focus will be on financial institutions and banks. Here’s what’s happening on day 3: Toolkit Drop: “What Banks Need to Know About Romance Fraud”A practical resource for frontline staff and fraud teams, covering red flags, customer scripts used under coercion, and steps for empathetic intervention and including language swaps for non-blaming communication. Webinar: “Empathy vs. Exposure – Balancing Security and Support”Panel with fraud prevention leaders, victim advocates, and trauma experts. Discusses practical changes banks can make without compromising due diligence (CIFAS) Hidden Risk: Money Laundering Through Romance Fraud Blog post by Aleks Ring Sharing Risk Data and the New Role of AIBlog post by Laura Lehane Idea Drop: “What If Banks Led the Prevention?”A best practice idea drop, encouraging banks and building societies to think beyond compliance. What proactive disruption could look like, from flag delays to progressive in-app awareness nudges. 2 October – Law Enforcement and Legal StakeholdersHere’s what’s happening on Law Enforcement Day: New Resource: “Trauma-Informed Response to Romance Fraud”Downloadable guides for police, caseworkers, and legal advisors to help first responders understand hot states, grooming, trauma bonding, and why victims may not present as expected and including sample scripts and the importance of using the right language for non-blaming victim interviews. Coercive Control Meets Financial FraudExplores legal parallels between romance fraud and domestic abuse.Includes policy references and examples of progressive prosecutions in the UK and abroad.Download materials from the National Trading Standards and support their #NoBlameNoShame campaign. Officer Voices: Stories From the Front Line and BeyondShort reflections from officers who’ve seen romance fraud up close.What changed their perspective, and how others can learn. Encouraging Culture ShiftVictims of romance fraud are often met with disbelief or scorn, sometimes from the very systems meant to protect them. But this isn’t about placing blame. It’s about equipping responders with the right tools and trauma-informed mindset to lead with compassion and credibility. Your Role in Raising the StandardWhether you’re a neighbourhood officer, cybercrime unit, CPS lawyer, or family court worker, you are not powerless. When law enforcement sees victims as victims, not fools, trust is rebuilt and justice becomes possible. Downloadable Resources:Self-Care Information Leaflet by National Trading Standards Scams TeamFirst RespondersProviding Support to Fraud and Scam Victims: A Tool Kit for Practitioners by National Trading Standards Scams Team 3 October – World Romance Scam Prevention Day – Global PartnershipThe MY VOICE Campaign & Unbreaking Project- Kate’s Hugs. 4 October – Friends, Family and Other Community (TBC)This day is dedicated to the people who know or love someone affected by romance fraud: the friends, family, neighbours, colleagues, and communities who want to understand better, and respond better. Research suggests that 1 in 3 people have been, or know of someone that has been a victim of fraud. It’s closer than you think. Because when someone you love has been manipulated, it can be hard to know what to say. This day helps you say the right thing. Without blame. Without judgement. With compassion and clarity. Stolen PhotosThe other victims of this fraud, are those whose photos are stolen. Can you image how it would feel to know your photos were being used to abuse and exploit other people? This is the reality for those who have had not just their photos stolen, but sometimes their name and life story too. Today is also for you as we help to increase understanding, that even when victims have seen you on a live video call or heard your voice in a message directly to them, it is all a clever trick using specialised software to legitimise the crime the criminal is committing. What’s Happening on Community Day:New Guide: “How to Talk to Someone Who’s Been a victim of Romance Fraud”A clear, non-blaming resource for anyone supporting a loved one.Includes examples of what not to say, and why phrases like “How could you fall for that?” cause deeper harm. Quiz: “Could You Spot It If It Was Happening to Someone You Know?”A 60 second quiz (also printable and shareable tool) for all communities. This quiz helps everyday people spot the signs in those around them. Recorded Webinar: “When your photos are stolen”Panel with those whose photos have been stolenReal talk about guilt, fear, communication breakdowns – and rebuilding connection. Share Your Story: Supporters SpeakA dedicated space for family and friends to share their journey: the moment they found out, how they supported (or struggled), and what they’ve learned since.P.S.: Anonymous submissions welcome. Spot the Signs in Others QuizCould this be happening to someone you know? Take the 60 second quiz to help understand if they are. Help Guide – How to talk to someone who has been a victim of Romance FraudHow we talk to victims can help heal or further damage their recovery. Read our help guide to ensure that you can help them in the best way. Webinar – When Your Photos are StolenWithout the photos, the online criminals cannot carry out their fraud. Let’s remember those who have their personal photos stolen for the purpose of abusing and exploiting others. Links:Romance Fraud Awareness Week UKCatch the CatfishLoveSaidAdvocating Against Romance Scammers (AARS)Operation Shamrock romance scams romance fraud awareness week ukromance scams