Cross Sector Call for Action

Romance fraud is not a niche problem, it is part of a rising crime wave.

This year, fraud accounts for 43% of all crime in the UK, with the vast majority committed online. Year on year, the numbers grow, while resources shrink and those who enable these crimes face little to no consequence. We know that change is possible, but only if every sector plays its part, and speaks with one clear, united voice.

We are calling on support groups, online platforms, financial institutions, law enforcement, family and friends of victims, and those whose images are stolen to dig deep and identify the one key action per sector that government must take, to help them do their job better, whether that’s preventing fraud before it happens, safeguarding and supporting victims while it’s happening, or pursuing justice after the event.

There is work to be done in every sector, better detection tools, real collaboration without fear of breaching GDPR, and mandatory data-sharing that serves public protection, not profit. This is our moment to break the tide of crime by demanding what we truly need to turn the tables on fraud.

Sector Asks:

  • Support Groups: [to be filled]
  • Platforms: [to be filled]
  • Financial Institutions: [to be filled]
  • Law Enforcement: [to be filled]
  • Family & Friends: [to be filled]
  • Victims of Stolen Images: [to be filled]

Key notes

  • Make It Realistic and Actionable– Your “ask” should be something that can be delivered—whether through new legislation, updated regulation, or a practical tool or protocol. It should be specific enough for government to act on, not just a broad hope or ideal. For example: mandatory verification standards for dating profiles, or a legal requirement for banks to offer transaction monitoring alerts tailored to fraud typologies.
  • Focus on Impact, Not Just Awareness– Awareness is important, but your call for action should directly enable safeguarding, prevention, or justice. Ask yourself: If this change was in place tomorrow, how would it help us protect more people, stop fraud earlier, or hold enablers to account? This is about measurable change, not just conversation.
  • Think Beyond Your Own Sector– The strongest “asks” are those that also help other sectors work better. Consider how your proposed change could encourage cross-sector collaboration, safe data sharing without breaching GDPR, and faster responses. Government action should remove the silos that scammers exploit, not reinforce them.

Here are a few rallying tagline options we could use alongside our call to action:

  1. One Voice. One Demand. Stop Romance Fraud.
  2. United Against Scammers. Stronger Together.
  3. From Awareness to Action – Let’s Turn the Tide on Fraud.
  4. When We Speak Together, Change Happens.
  5. Romance Fraud Ends When We All Step Up.