A growing global phenomenon sees people drawn into online “relationships” that drain money rather than provide affection. New analyses show a sharp increase in romance scams, where scammers exploit loneliness and trust to extract funds. The pattern is now a pressing public concern that requires practical awareness and action.
For Thailand, where internet and smartphone use continues to rise and dating apps grow in popularity across generations, the risk is highly relevant. Generosity and hospitality are core Thai values, but criminals exploit these traits through manipulation, empathy, and fake emergencies. The question, “Is it still a relationship if only one person sends money?” reflects a real, evolving threat that Thai communities must confront.
Financial institutions report worrying trends. A 2025 Barclays Bank bulletin notes a 20% year-on-year rise in romance scam cases in the first quarter, with the average victim losing around 360,000 baht. Losses are higher among older adults, averaging more than 850,000 baht for those aged 61 and up. Reports indicate men account for a majority of cases, underscoring that vulnerability is not bound to a single gender. These figures come from reputable financial-agency monitoring, illustrating the broad scope of the problem.
Emotional destruction often accompanies financial loss. A Which? News investigation found nearly £100 million in romance-fraud losses in 2024 alone, with upward trends year after year. Scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence to craft convincing personas and elaborate backstories—ranging from medical crises to pretend inheritances—to coax further payments. There are cautionary tales of victims transferring large sums to individuals believed to be celebrities due to AI-generated visuals and narratives.
Academic research aligns with these concerns. A peer-reviewed study in Current Research in Behavioral Sciences details not only financial harm but also anxiety, reduced self-esteem, and depression among victims. The findings highlight the deep psychological toll of ORS (online romance scams) and the need for supportive interventions.
Experts emphasize the technology-driven shift in how scams operate. Social media and dating apps remain the primary channels for perpetrators, who leverage online platforms to reach vulnerable individuals. Public pressure is mounting for tech companies to strengthen protections where scams originate, given that a substantial portion of adults want better preventive measures.
In Thailand, authorities report similar patterns as digital relationships expand. The Royal Thai Police Technology Crime Suppression Division and consumer-protection agencies have warned about “online love” deceptions, urging dating-app users to stay vigilant. Local cybercrime hotlines report many cases from women and retirees targeted by scammers posing as foreign professionals or officials who cannot meet in person due to travel or emergencies.
Criminals often rely on Thai cultural norms, including namjai (generosity), to justify sending money in times of crisis. This social expectation can be exploited by sophisticated scammers, making awareness and prevention crucial.
Common scam playbooks include:
- Initial contact on dating apps or social networks, then moving to private messaging.
- Rapid emotional bonding followed by stories of hardship or heroism.
- Requests for money to cover emergencies, travel costs, or medical expenses.
- Escalating pressure and manipulation when victims hesitate.
- Increasing amounts requested as long as payments continue.
AI-driven advances raise the stakes. Realistic videos, voices, and photos make it harder to verify identity, complicating efforts for victims and authorities to discern truth from deception.
Recovering funds abroad remains challenging for Thai victims. Reimbursement schemes exist in some regions for certain fraud types, but cross-border transfers and crypto payments offer limited protection, underscoring the need for caution with international transfers.
Victims often endure shame, anger, and embarrassment, which can deter reporting. Social stigma surrounding failed relationships or financial loss can add to the hesitation in seeking help. Experts stress that the fault lies with criminals, not the victims, and encourage supportive responses from communities and service providers.
Policy and education implications are clear. Financial literacy and digital literacy should be embedded in public-awareness campaigns for all ages. Health professionals, educators, and community leaders can help destigmatize discussions of romance fraud and provide clear support pathways. Banks and payment operators should enhance monitoring and distribute anti-scam guidance, especially for international transfers and online payments.
Looking ahead, experts anticipate that AI and the globalization of dating platforms will keep evolving the challenge. Multinational cooperation among technology companies, financial institutions, and regulators will be essential to curb this growing threat.
Practical steps for Thai readers:
- Never send money to someone you have not met in person, no matter the emotional intensity or urgency of requests.
- Be cautious when conversations move from dating apps to private chat platforms.
- Use reverse-image searches to verify profile photos and consult trusted friends or family if anything feels off.
- If you suspect a scam, stop communicating and report promptly to the Royal Thai Police’s Technology Crime Suppression Division or your bank.
Compassion remains essential; scammers prey on vulnerability, not on a single culture. By raising awareness, supporting victims, and strengthening digital literacy, Thai communities can reduce the impact of one-way relationship scams.