Financial risks of romance scams: What advisers need to know

'Romance scams are a significant threat to clients' financial and emotional well-being'

clock • 4 min read

Louise Cockburn shares her insight on romance scams and highlights how advisers can help clients avoid both emotional and financial heartache...

Romance scams are a pervasive and devastating form of fraud that can have severe financial and emotional consequences for victims. Financial advisers are in a unique position to help clients recognise and avoid these scams, which have become increasingly sophisticated with the advent of technology and social media. Two recent high-profile cases highlight the risks and challenges associated with romance scams.  The Brad Pitt impersonation scam  In a shocking case reported by HuffPost, a French interior decorator named "Anne" was scammed out of 830,000 euros (about £696,000) by som...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Who really owns the digital client relationship? From ownership to orchestration

Who really owns the digital client relationship? From ownership to orchestration

The battle for the digital layer

Tessa Lee
clock 23 February 2026 • 5 min read
Why more financial advisers should post on TikTok

Why more financial advisers should post on TikTok

‘In 2026, financial advisers should take another look at TikTok’

Joe Jordan
clock 23 February 2026 • 4 min read
Treasury's AR consultation: Extending the FOS' scope a 'concern'

Treasury's AR consultation: Extending the FOS' scope a 'concern'

‘FOS needs to be overhauled as it is’

Isabel Baxter
clock 19 February 2026 • 4 min read