Divorce, even in the most amicable circumstances, tends to shake the foundations of everyday life — routines shift, finances become uncertain, and people who once relied on a partner for companionship can suddenly feel isolated. It is therefore not difficult to see why a growing trend in romance scams is growing, specifically targeting those who are going through the emotional and financial fallout of separation.
While such scams are nothing new, the pattern developing around divorcing individuals is particularly concerning. Friends may offer well-meaning advice to get back out there or meet someone new, and with loneliness peaking, it is understandable that many turn to online dating, social media, or companionship apps. Unfortunately, scammers know this too, and they are increasingly adapting their methods to exploit the very feelings that arise during a divorce.
This article explores why the risk is growing, how it intersects with family law, and the steps newly separated or divorcing spouses can take to protect themselves.
Why divorce creates ideal conditions for targeting divorcees
Being newly single isn’t simply a change in relationship status; it often brings emotional upheaval, unexpected decisions, and new financial pressures. All three factors combine to create the perfect storm for criminals targeting divorcees who are trying to rebuild their lives following separation.
The end of a marriage often means:
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decreased confidence
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a craving for emotional connection
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disrupted financial arrangements
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less scrutiny over online interactions
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increased use of dating platforms
When someone has spent years in a monogamous relationship, they aren’t always familiar with modern digital dating—where scammers work with scripted conversations, fake profiles, stolen photos, and highly researched manipulation tactics. Divorcees are attractive targets because scams aren’t only about romance; they are about grooming victims until they feel emotionally dependent. A scammer knows that if someone is already dealing with stress from court hearings, splitting assets, and child arrangements, they may not have the headspace to question an otherwise too-perfect online admirer.
Emotional manipulation and the rise of romance scams
Stories from family lawyers increasingly reveal clients who, midway through their divorce, fall prey to romance scams. These scams are not only about financial loss; they often cause deep psychological distress, shame, and a fear of how the truth will affect ongoing legal proceedings.
Typical scenarios include:
- “I’m away working overseas”: A scammer invents a reason they cannot meet in person, often claiming to work in the military, on an oil rig, or in humanitarian aid. This excuse gives them a built-in justification for poor communication, sudden emergencies, and requests for money.
- Sudden crisis: Once emotional attachment is secure, a crisis appears. This could be things like:
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stolen documents
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frozen bank accounts
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urgent travel costs
Victims still dealing with the emotional chaos of divorce, may feel compelled to help.
- Requests for secrecy: Perhaps the most insidious tactic involves encouraging secrecy. Scammers convince victims that telling friends, solicitors, or family might threaten the relationship. For someone who already feels alone, this isolation deepens dependence on the scammer.
Understanding the hidden financial consequences of romance scams
Romantic fraud doesn’t just hurt feelings; it can significantly affect the financial landscape of a divorce. If a victim loses thousands of pounds, this may alter:
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their ability to secure housing
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available funds for legal representation
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maintenance calculations
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joint debts and credit arrangements
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their position in negotiations over assets
Even though the courts typically consider financial needs and future earning capacity rather than how money has been lost, a spouse who has been scammed may find themselves under financial scrutiny. An ex-partner might argue that matrimonial assets were dissipated, or that the victim cannot manage funds responsibly. This can cause shame, delay settlement, and, in rare cases, lead to further litigation.
In addition, scammers will often attempt identity theft. Access to bank details, passport images, or email accounts can create all sorts of long-term complications, with victims facing months of repairing credit files.
The importance of fraud protection during divorce
Solicitors increasingly advise clients to prioritise fraud protection during separation, not just for preventing scams, but for safeguarding themselves and their credit score.
Divorcing individuals can reduce risk in the following ways:
- Limit personal financial disclosure outside legal channels: While divorce requires financial transparency with your solicitor and ex-spouse, no one else should have access. Be wary of anyone online asking about bank accounts, income, property, or child maintenance arrangements.
- Review digital security: Change passwords, activate two-factor authentication, and ensure financial documents stored digitally are encrypted. Fraudsters often use phishing emails that mimic solicitors, HMRC, or banks, hoping to intercept sensitive information.
- Take advice before transferring money: If an online partner asks for funds, discuss it confidentially with a third party such as your solicitor, a financial adviser, or even Citizens Advice. This step alone could prevent significant losses.
- Protect shared accounts: When going through divorce joint bank accounts should be monitored more closely than usual. A scammer might encourage a victim to use these shared resources, unknowingly creating financial responsibility for both spouses.
- Pause dating until the early legal work is complete: It may feel counter-intuitive, but giving yourself a few months before jumping into online dating means you can focus clearly on legal obligations like getting your documents ready for the Form E, mediation, and financial negotiations. Emotional stability is one of the strongest barriers against manipulation.
Legal guidance and emotional awareness
Although family lawyers are not therapists, they often find themselves acting as the first line of defence. Clients may mention a new partner during consultations, and experienced solicitors now raise gentle questions if something sounds off.
Family law firms increasingly train staff to spot warning signs, such as:
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a new partner who never video calls
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reluctance to meet
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repeated financial emergencies
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requests for the client to hide the relationship
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pressure not to discuss the partner with their solicitor
Legal professionals can guide clients towards fraud protection protocols, and encourage reporting to organisations such as Action Fraud or the police.
Why fraud protection is essential for long-term stability
Recovering from a romance scam during divorce is not simply about stopping the financial loss; it is about preventing future harm. It is not uncommon for scammers to return months later using different names, or they may sell stolen data to other criminals. A person already managing post-divorce financial restructuring such as new tenancy agreements, mortgages, or child maintenance can become vulnerable again.
Fraud protection strategies—credit freezes, identity monitoring, secure banking, and cautious online behaviour—give divorcees a safer foundation to rebuild from.
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