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

Advisers urged to remain 'alert' as LPA financial misconduct complaints rise

Advisers urged to remain 'alert' as LPA financial misconduct complaints rise

Alleged LPA financial misconduct complaints rose to almost 12,000

Sophia Panayi
clock 12 October 2026 • 3 min read
News editor's view: Taxing questions for advisers

News editor's view: Taxing questions for advisers

The news editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 9 October

Isabel Baxter
clock 09 October 2026 • 2 min read
Why the new chancellor must rebalance growth and consumer protection

Why the new chancellor must rebalance growth and consumer protection

'Healy should re-empower the FCA to unleash the full potential of Consumer Duty'

James Daley
clock 09 October 2026 • 3 min read