Almost €3 million stolen from victims as Waterford Gardaí warn of online romance fraud

Gardaí in Waterford are warning people of online romance fraud ahead of Valentine's Day this weekend. 

In 2025, people in Ireland were conned out of almost €3 million through online romance fraud, with 88 men and women targeted. 

This number is likely to actually be higher, as many people are reluctant to make reports.

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Over the past 5 years, over €9 million has been stolen with a significant number of reported victims being women.

"Victims of the scam believe they have met their perfect match online, but the other person is in fact a scammer using a fake profile to build the relationship. They slowly gain the victim’s trust with a view to eventually asking them for money," a Waterford Garda spokesperson said. 

Romance Fraudsters often attempt to move the relationship along at a quick pace, seek lots of personal information, and send multiple messages daily and then nothing for a period.

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Romance fraudsters try to get their victims to send them money using excuses such as covering the cost of travelling to see the victim, emergency medical expenses for the scammer or a family member, typically a child, and a business opportunity which would allow them to live together comfortably.

Fraudsters are professional, and they prey on your emotions and empathy. 

To avoid this happening to you, Gardaí have offered the following advice: 

• Use trusted dating websites
• Do not share personal details, particularly personal or intimate photos
• Do not send or receive money
• Think twice before using your webcam
• Trust your instincts and have a conversation with someone that you trust in real life

If you believe that you are a victim of a romance scam, or think your identity or personal information has been compromised, contact any Garda Station and report the crime.

An Garda Síochána will treat all reports in confidence.