New research from Tinder has uncovered a new type of online fraud: romance scams. Students and recent graduates are particularly vulnerable, with victims losing an average of over £2,000.
Love Island star Georgia Steel has joined forces with Tinder and Get Safe Online in a bid to protect young people from online romance scams.
Freshers and recent graduates are increasingly falling victim to a new type of online scam, specifically targeting those looking for love. Romance scams are on the rise and duping even the tech-savviest young adults, with an average reported loss of £2,228 per scam.
According to new research findings commissioned by Tinder, 44% of students and graduates admitted to sharing personal details online with someone they have never met in person; details including their university address, phone number and even their bank information.
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When it comes to online dating, this readiness to trust is leaving young people vulnerable to exploitation. The findings show that 65% of the 2,000 18-24 year-olds surveyed overlooked something they considered a warning sign in the past because they wanted to have fun.
Last year, Georgia opened up about being scammed by someone she was dating. A year after appearing on the Love Island, Georgia had begun dating a wealthy American called Miguel Johnson, who had showered her with gifts.
But he was living a lie – and he was in fact convicted a fraudster named Medi Abalimba, who was once a footballer on the books of Liverpool Derby County and Crystal Palace. She went on to discover that he had also defrauded record label manager Simon Belofsky and two unsuspecting chauffeurs, bringing the total amount involved in his deceptions to more than £170,000.
The con artist, of Camden was jailed for four years and two months after admitting 15 counts of fraud between January and March 2021.
Speaking on Secure The Insecure podcast in 2023, Georgia said: “I had no idea he was a convicted fraudster. Again, another mistake made, but another lesson. It was definitely a traumatic experience, but I shine a light on it now and I think, I’ve healed from it. I actually think it’s a way of shining a light for other young men and women. You never think it’s going to be you. “
Tinder’s research also indicates that scams are becoming harder to spot, with 63% of those surveyed saying romance scams now sound more convincing than ever.
Detective Superintendent Oliver Little at the City of London Police, the National Lead Force for fraud, says romance scams are particularly common during the first weeks of university. “Romance fraud isn’t just about stolen money – it’s about stolen trust. For many students, freshers week marks a new chapter filled with excitement and possibility, but it also brings heightened vulnerability.
“Criminals know this and exploit it, often using charm and emotional manipulation to deceive victims.” Little emphasises that romance scams affect everyone “regardless of age, gender, or experience” but that stigma still exists around reporting, especially among younger demographics.
“Being targeted by a romance fraud doesn’t mean you’re naïve – it means a manipulative criminal saw an opportunity and took it.” Still, Tinder’s survey data reveals that of those who had been scammed, 31% said they didn’t speak out because they felt ashamed.
Data from the City of London Police collected between 2024 and 2025 reveals that among 18-24 year olds who reported being defrauded, the average loss was £2,228 per scam, with young men aged 18–24 making up 64% of victims – double the rate of young women.
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To help students feel confident meeting new people as they start the new term, Tinder is joining forces with Get Safe Online and Georgia to share tools that will help them stay scam-smart online.
Commenting on the importance of awareness for romance scams, Georgia said: “It’s easy to let your guard down. My advice? Have fun, but stay scam-smart … listen to your gut, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. I wish I’d had this support sooner.”
To assist students in spotting the signs of a romance scam, Tinder is also unveiling an in-app Swipe Card in the UK this September. It will share simple, practical tips to help students date more confidently and safely during Freshers’ Week.
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