CravnnRomance fraud warnings from the PSNI and Gardaí: the red flags to know
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What the police said
In February 2026, around Valentine's weekend, police on both sides of the border warned about romance fraud. Both warnings came from official sources and both described the same pattern: a fraudster builds trust online, then asks for money.
In Northern Ireland, the PSNI told RTÉ that more than £866,700 had been taken in around 100 reported cases between April 2025 and early February 2026. It described romance fraud as a cruel and very personal crime. Two cases were given as examples: one person lost more than £40,000 and another around £15,000 over several months.
In Limerick, Sergeant Aoife Bannon, a crime prevention officer at Henry Street Garda Station, warned that fraudsters often move the chat off the dating site very quickly and push to build a strong emotional bond early. She described a case where a woman handed over €48,000 over 13 months, and said the real scale is likely much higher because many people are afraid to come forward.
Red flags and what to do
| Red flag | What police advised | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| They want to leave the app quickly | Fraudsters move the conversation off the dating site fast (Gardaí) | Stay on the platform while you get to know them |
| The bond is intense very early | They push for a strong emotional connection early (Gardaí) | Slow down and ask for a video call |
| They never meet in person | A major red flag (Gardaí) | Do not send money to anyone you have not met |
| Photos look too perfect | Use reverse image search on profile pictures (PSNI) | Check the photo and their social media presence |
| They ask for money | Never send money to someone you have not met in person (PSNI) | Stop and talk to a friend or your bank |
Source: RTÉ, 11 February 2026 (PSNI) and Limerick Post, 14 February 2026 (Gardaí). The last column is our own practical suggestion.
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What this means if you are meeting people online
The pattern in both warnings is the same, and it is easy to spot once you know it. The scammer is quick, warm and attentive. The money request comes later, after trust is built, and usually comes with a story about an emergency or an investment.
A simple rule protects you: money never moves before you have met in person. A good person will understand if you say no. Someone who pushes back, gets angry or invents a new crisis is telling you what you need to know.
It also helps to meet early and in public. A first meeting in a busy cafe or at an event shows quickly whether the person is who they say they are, and it takes away the long online build-up that scammers rely on.
If you think you have been targeted. Stop contact, do not send any more money and tell your bank straight away. In Ireland, gardaí say reports made at any Garda station are treated in confidence. Do not feel embarrassed: police say many people are afraid to come forward.
A safer way to meet
- Chat for a few days, then suggest a video call or a coffee in a public place.
- Tell a friend who you are meeting and where.
- On Cravnn you can share your live location with trusted contacts using Meet Safe while you are out.
- Never send money, gift cards or crypto to someone you have not met in person.
- If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and leave.
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- RTÉ: 'Cruel' romance scams cost NI victims almost £900k, PSNI (11 February 2026) (checked 11 November 2026)
- Limerick Post: Gardaí issue romance fraud alert as love fills air for Valentines weekend (14 February 2026) (checked 11 November 2026)
Questions
How much was lost to romance fraud in Northern Ireland?
The PSNI told RTÉ in February 2026 that more than £866,700 had been taken in around 100 reported cases between April 2025 and early February 2026. Police say the real figure is likely higher because many victims do not report.
What are the main warning signs of romance fraud?
Police in Ireland say fraudsters move the chat off the dating site fast, build a strong emotional bond early and never meet in person. The PSNI adds that you should never send money to someone you have not met, and should reverse image search profile photos.
Where do I report romance fraud in Ireland?
Gardaí advise contacting any Garda station if you think you have been targeted. They say reports are treated in confidence. Tell your bank straight away if you have sent money.