A growing number of individuals worldwide are falling prey to online “relationships” defined not by emotional support or companionship, but by a steady financial outflow—often in just one direction. Recent international reports reveal a dramatic rise in romance scams, echoing the concerns of agony columns like “Dear Abby,” where readers describe partnerships that only seem to involve sending money, not receiving genuine affection. Behind the stories are stark statistics and sophisticated scam operations that have made digital platforms a hotbed for financial exploitation under the guise of love.
Romance and financial fraud have become deeply intertwined as digital communication replaces face-to-face contact for millions seeking connection. For Thai readers, where internet and mobile use continues to rise and digital relationships become increasingly normalized, this trend is particularly relevant. Thai society, deeply rooted in values of generosity and trust, may be uniquely vulnerable to manipulative tactics that exploit empathy, loneliness, and the desire for companionship. The question, “Is it still a relationship if only one person keeps sending money?” is not just a personal dilemma—it is now a public concern that experts say demands urgent attention.
Recent figures from major financial institutions shed light on the alarming scope of the problem. A 2025 bulletin by Barclays Bank reported a 20% year-on-year rise in romance scam cases for the first quarter of the year, with the average victim losing £8,000 (approximately 360,000 baht in early 2025 exchange rates). Older adults bore the brunt, with losses averaging £19,000 per victim—over 850,000 baht—among those aged 61 and above. Notably, men made up 60% of reports, challenging stereotypes about gender and vulnerability in online fraud (Barclays Scams Bulletin, 2025).
Compounding these financial losses is the emotional devastation left behind. A Which? News investigation found that reported romance fraud totalled nearly £100 million in 2024 alone, with cases increasing year by year (Which?, 2025). Scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence to create convincing personas, deepening the emotional connection and weaving elaborate stories—like medical emergencies or fake inheritances—to coax more money from victims. In one cautionary tale, a French woman was deceived into sending over €800,000 to a man she believed was Hollywood actor Brad Pitt, lured by AI-generated photos and a convincing narrative.
Academic research paints a sobering picture. A recent peer-reviewed study in Current Research in Behavioral Sciences found that online romance scams (ORS) not only inflict financial losses but also serious emotional and physiological harm (Elsevier article abstract). Victims suffer from anxiety, diminished self-worth, and depression—conditions familiar to anyone who has experienced manipulation or betrayal in the pursuit of love.
Expert commentary, such as that from Barclays fraud and scams specialist, underscores the technological arms race between criminal syndicates and victims: “Social media platforms and dating apps are by far the biggest sources of romance scams. Romance scammers have taken advantage of the shift online, using these channels to target potential victims.” The call for intervention is loud and clear—three-quarters of surveyed adults now demand tech companies step up to prevent scams where they originate.
For Thailand, these findings are particularly poignant. As internet access expands even in rural provinces and dating apps gain popularity amongst all age groups—including the elderly—local authorities have begun to see similar patterns emerge. The Royal Thai Police Technology Crime Suppression Division frequently warns of “รักออนไลน์” (“online love”) deceptions, and the Office of the Consumer Protection Board has urged dating app users to be vigilant (Bangkok Post). Thai cybercrime hotlines are inundated with reports from individuals, especially women and retirees, who have been approached by supposed “foreign businessmen,” “medical doctors,” or “military officers” unable to meet in person due to endless travel or emergencies.
Such scams often leverage Thai cultural values—particularly “น้ำใจ” (namjai, or generosity)—against the victim. Sending money to help with a crisis is seen as an act of kindness or devotion. But as the research reveals, it’s precisely this trustworthiness that criminal groups are weaponizing.
Scammers typically employ a well-established playbook:
- They initiate contact on dating apps or social media, quickly shifting the conversation to private messaging platforms.
- They establish an intense emotional connection in a short time, eliciting sympathy with tales of hardship or heroic responsibility.
- Soon after, requests for money appear—most commonly for emergencies, travel or visa costs, or medical expenses.
- If hesitant, the victim is bombarded with urgency, guilt, and emotional manipulation; the scammer might even feign anger or heartbreak to pressure for funds.
- Requests often escalate in size and frequency as long as the victim continues to pay.
AI is now amplifying the risks—video calls, photos, and even audio messages are no longer reliable indicators of identity. Investigators warn that facial images and voices can be realistically simulated, making it increasingly difficult for victims (and even law enforcement) to discern authenticity (F-Secure expert, cited in Which?).
For Thai victims, getting their lost money back is a major challenge. While UK and EU authorities have introduced reimbursement schemes for “authorised push payment” fraud, protection is far more limited with international money transfers, cryptocurrencies, or remittances—reminding Thai readers to exercise even greater caution, particularly when sending funds overseas.
Victims’ emotional journeys are often marked by shame, anger, and embarrassment—emotions that can deter them from reporting the crime or seeking support. Cultural stigma surrounding failed relationships or financial loss may compound these feelings in Thailand, where concepts like “เสียหน้า” (sia na, or loss of face) can carry tremendous social weight. This cycle of silence allows scammers to move quickly from one target to the next, often using similar scripts and recycled photos.
However, experts insist that blame must not fall on victims: “Romance fraudsters are highly skilled manipulators who successfully target thousands of people every year. If you have been a victim, you are not to blame and you are not alone,” said a spokesperson for UK charity Victim Support.
For Thai policymakers and educators, the message is clear—financial education and digital literacy must be integrated into public awareness campaigns, both for younger and older adults. Health professionals, teachers, and community leaders can play an important role by destigmatizing discussions of romance fraud and providing support pathways for those affected. Thai banks and payment operators are also encouraged to tighten transaction monitoring and disseminate anti-scam guidance, particularly for international or large online transfers.
Looking ahead, cybercrime experts predict that the evolution of AI and the globalization of dating apps will continue to challenge both individual defenses and law enforcement. Without concerted, multinational cooperation between technology companies, banks, and regulators, the romance scam epidemic will only deepen.
What can Thai readers do? First, never send money to someone you have not met in person, regardless of the strength of your emotional connection or the urgency of their request. Be wary of anyone who pushes to move conversations away from established dating platforms to private chat apps. Use reverse image searches to check profile photos, and seek advice from trusted friends or family if something feels off—Thai “ปรึกษาหารือ” (prueksa hareu, consultation) can be a lifeline. If you suspect you are being scammed, cease all communication with the individual and report the case to the Royal Thai Police’s Technology Crime Suppression Division or your bank immediately.
Above all, remember that compassion is not a weakness. Increasingly sophisticated criminals are targeting everyone, and only by raising awareness and supporting victims can society help dismantle the “one-way relationship” scam industry—for Thailand, and for the world.