BRITISH holidaymakers are being warned they could be walking straight into a “perfect storm” – all thanks to a surge in romance scams targeting tourists abroad.
Across the UK, Brits are getting ready to start their summer holidays, packing suitcases, booking last-minute flights, and looking forward to relaxing in the sun.
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But behind the scenes of holiday fun and relaxation, there’s a growing threat many aren’t aware of.
Experts warn that criminals are preying on travellers’ emotions — using carefully crafted lies, fake love stories, and emotional manipulation to scam unsuspecting victims.
This summer, many people risk facing heartbreak and devastating financial losses if caught off guard.
The warning comes as fraud analysts raise the alarm across popular tourist destinations like Spain, Greece and Italy, where scammers are increasingly preying on vulnerable British tourists.
Scammers know that when people go on holiday, they let their guard down.
They’re more open to making connections, more likely to share personal details online, and often unfamiliar with local customs.
This makes them ideal targets for fraudsters who want to win their trust fast – then drain their bank accounts.
Romance scams are no longer rare or isolated.
In fact, last year alone, over $1.3 billion was lost in romance scams in the US, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
UK cases are steadily climbing, with victims often too embarrassed to speak out.
And these scams don’t just play out on dating apps.
Criminals are lurking on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and even LinkedIn.
They’re also showing up in travel forums, Airbnb experiences, and WhatsApp groups – ready to charm their way into someone’s confidence.
Holiday romances might sound like harmless fun, but if someone you’re chatting to online says they love you after two days, wants to talk about marriage before you’ve even met, or keeps cancelling plans to meet up, alarm bells should ring.
This kind of fast-forward intimacy is often a tactic known as love bombing – a classic move used by scammers.
Other red flags include people who ask for money in emergencies – whether it’s for a stolen passport, hospital bill or a sudden need to book a flight.
It’s always urgent, and it’s always fake.
If someone insists you keep the relationship secret or pressures you to switch conversations to private apps like Telegram or WhatsApp, that’s another sign something’s wrong.
McAfee has also warned about a rise in scams tailored specifically for the summer travel crowd.
One common trick is the “travel buddy” scam, where someone meets you on a travel app or forum and suggests tagging along on your trip.
Once you book flights or accommodation, they either disappear or show up expecting you to foot the bill for everything.
Then there’s the “local lover” con – a charming local sweeps you off your feet, says they want to visit you in the UK, but needs help covering visa fees, insurance or a plane ticket.
These stories are carefully scripted to tug at your heartstrings – and your wallet.
Another risk comes from “digital dating” scams abroad.
If your dating app suddenly starts buzzing the moment you land in a tourist hotspot, it’s probably not a coincidence.
Scammers use geo-location tools to target tourists in areas known for high visitor traffic, knowing people are often more emotionally open and less cautious when travelling.
And in a modern twist, the “crypto Casanova” scam is becoming more common.
Here, someone builds a connection with you, casually mentioning their success with cryptocurrency.
Before long, they’re offering to help you invest – but the platform they guide you to is fake, and once you send money, they vanish.
While all of this might sound like a warning to avoid holiday romance altogether, McAfee says the key isn’t fear – it’s awareness.
Travellers are being urged to stay smart online.
The 5 red flags to avoid
- They move too fast.
- They avoid meeting in person or always have a reason to cancel.
- They need money—urgently.
- They ask you to keep the relationship private.
- They want to take the chat off-platform.
That means not sharing too much personal information, especially travel details like hotel names or flight numbers.
Never send money to someone you’ve only met online, no matter how convincing their story sounds.
Trust your instincts, but also use your head – if something feels off, it probably is.
If someone claims to be in the same country as you but only replies in the middle of the night, that’s a possible red flag.
Likewise, if you’ve had a few drinks, think twice before sending sensitive messages or clicking on suspicious links.
Scammers often take advantage when people are relaxed and not thinking clearly.
Always tell a friend back home who you’re talking to.
A second opinion can often spot things you might miss.
And avoid using public Wi-Fi to access sensitive accounts or dating apps – use a secure VPN if you need to connect while travelling.
If you suspect you’re being scammed, act quickly. Cut off all contact without warning or explanation. Block the person immediately and report them to the platform. If you’ve already sent money, inform your bank as soon as possible – they may be able to help.
And most importantly, don’t stay silent.
Scammers rely on shame to keep victims from speaking out. You are not alone, and you’re not foolish. These criminals are skilled manipulators with tried-and-tested tactics.
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