For many, separation and divorce bring a mix of relief, sadness, and stress, but unfortunately, that vulnerability can also make people a target for opportunistic fraudsters. A growing concern is that of the divorce scam, where unscrupulous individuals or firms exploit people going through divorce for financial or personal gain. This article explores what divorce scams can look like, how to recognise them, and what steps you can take to protect yourself if you’re going through a separation.
For many, separation and divorce bring a mix of relief, sadness, and stress, but unfortunately, that vulnerability can also make people a target for opportunistic fraudsters. A growing concern is that of the divorce scam, where unscrupulous individuals or firms exploit people going through divorce for financial or personal gain. This article explores what divorce scams can look like, how to recognise them, and what steps you can take to protect yourself if you’re going through a separation.
Why people are at risk from divorce scams
In a report highlighted by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), firms offering quickie divorces and related services have come under investigation. For someone under emotional strain, or unsure about the law, these firms can appear helpful, even reassuring. But in reality, they may be far from the regulated, professional legal help that a party going through divorce truly needs.
There is no single divorce scam. Rather, a variety of deceptive practices are emerging under the umbrella of divorce-related fraud. Some of the more common ones include:
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Unregulated online divorce or solicitor-lite services — these firms advertise cheap, fast divorces, but their staff often lack proper legal training or qualifications. According to some reports, such firms have submitted wrong forms, sent papers to the court late, or otherwise provided an inadequate quality of service.
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Pressure-selling of add-on services — once a person signs up for divorce, they may be coerced or misled into paying for services such as will writing, pre-paid probate plans, or other legal work that is generally unnecessary or overpriced.
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False representation / impersonation — fraudsters may pose as solicitors, financial advisers, or mediators offering divorce-related help, but in reality they are not regulated professionals. They may ask for upfront fees, or for sensitive personal data under false pretences. This can include identity theft, phishing or advance-fee fraud.
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Romance-based fraud post-divorce — some victims, emotionally vulnerable after a separation, may turn to online dating or social media for comfort. Scammers exploit this by building trust under the pretence of a genuine relationship, then asking for money under false stories for emergencies, to pay off an unforeseen debt, or an investment.
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Fake investment or financial advice schemes — after divorce, individuals may search for ways to secure their financial future. Fraudsters can target that hope by offering too-good-to-be-true investment opportunities, properties, or financial plans. Often these are sham offers.
Because divorce often comes at a time of great personal upheaval, emotional distress, and financial uncertainty, individuals can be especially vulnerable to such scams.
Consequences of falling victim to divorce scams
The consequences of a divorce scam can be devastating:
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Financial loss: Victims may lose significant sums of money either through upfront payments, fake fees, or poor investments.
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Emotional and mental distress: Betrayal, guilt, shame, or just the shock of being scammed can lead to anxiety, depression, and long-term trauma with many victims feeling isolated or too embarrassed to ask for help.
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Legal complications: Mistakes or fraudulent applications can delay or invalidate divorce proceedings; unscrupulous asset transfers or hidden debts can complicate financial settlements. Even where divorces are finalised, fake documentation or false disclosures might lead to future legal challenges.
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Identity theft and ongoing fraud risk: Once fraudsters obtain personal data or banking details, victims may be exposed to further scams, unauthorised transactions, or identity theft.
Spotting the warning signs — how to avoid falling prey to a divorce scam
Prevention begins with vigilance. Here are some red flags to watch out for when dealing with divorce-related services:
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A service is not a regulated law firm or does not involve a qualified solicitor. If the provider is unregulated, there may be no guarantee you’re getting legitimate legal advice. The government emphasises that you are protected by general consumer law, but that doesn’t guarantee quality legal representation.
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Promises that sound too good to be true — cheap, fast divorce, avoid court, set everything up in a few clicks. These claims are often marketing ploys, not realistic representations.
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Pressure to sign up quickly for extras — will writing, probate plans, asset-handling services, or other add-ons. Particularly when sold during a vulnerable period such as during separation or divorce proceedings.
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Requests for sensitive personal information or large upfront payments, bank account numbers, national insurance, and identity documents, especially before any proper verification or credentials have been shown should sound the alarm. This conduct matches common patterns in advance-fee and impersonation scams.
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Efforts to move communication off official channels (e.g. away from regulated legal portal or official court email) or pressure to act via phone, social media messages, or insecure email.
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If you are considering property, financial, or investment advice, be cautious if it comes from someone who isn’t a regulated financial adviser. Post-divorce financial vulnerability is often exploited, but unregulated advisers offering too good to be true deals are a red flag.
What to do if you think you’ve been scammed
If you suspect a divorce-related scam, or have already experienced one, here are our practical steps to protect yourself and try to recover your position:
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Stop all communication with the suspect firm/person (unless there are genuine child-related or legal matters that must be addressed) because continued contact can increase risk of further loss.
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Report the scam immediately to Action Fraud (the national reporting centre for fraud and cyber-crime).
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Contact your bank or payment provider and ask them to freeze related accounts, flag suspicious transfers, or attempt to reverse unauthorised payments.
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Seek legal advice from a qualified solicitor or regulated firm if you suspect fraudulent applications, forged documents, or wrongful signatures.
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Check your credit report and monitor for unusual activity as unknown loans, credit applications, or identity anomalies are a red flag. Identity theft is a common follow-up after such scams.
Importantly, acting quickly improves chances of recovering lost funds or reducing further damage. Organisations such as Citizens Advice, for consumer-rights support, and regulated financial advisers or counsellors can help you navigate the aftermath.
As divorce becomes more accessible online, demand attracts non-traditional providers, some of whom may lack necessary qualifications or regulations. With divorce coinciding with emotional turbulence, financial uncertainty, and psychological stress it makes people more susceptible to pressure selling, misleading promises, and manipulation.
Ultimately, don’t rush headlong into things, don’t be swayed by marketing, and always verify firms and solicitors credentials. By doing so, you can help ensure your financial and emotional wellbeing remain protected throughout the proceedings and beyond.
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