With Dydd Santes Dwynwen and Valentine’s Day approaching, the Money and Pensions Service is alerting residents in Wales to the growing threat of romance scams. In 2025, individuals reported losses exceeding £11 million due to financial crimes. A total of 635 people reached out to the service, revealing an average loss of £17,785 per victim. Experts believe the actual figures are likely higher, as many incidents go unreported.
Lawrence Davies, Partnerships Manager at the Money and Pensions Service, emphasizes the importance of vigilance, stating, “People think you can’t be scammed in Welsh, and that’s sadly a dangerous myth. Scammers speak whatever language their targets speak.” This highlights that scams can indeed occur in Welsh, targeting unsuspecting individuals during culturally significant times.
As Dydd Santes Dwynwen—a day dedicated to love and affection in Wales—draws near, Davies warns that scammers may exploit the occasion to prey on individuals looking for companionship or romance. “I’m urging people in Wales to be vigilant,” he said. “I want to make sure that those who have been affected by scams know they can talk to an expert at MoneyHelper for free, non-judgmental, confidential support.”
MoneyHelper provides resources to help victims understand their situations and take proactive steps toward recovery. The service also warns of the risk of secondary scams and encourages reporting any incidents to Report Fraud. According to Davies, “One in three Welsh adults said they would feel embarrassed, stupid, or foolish telling their friends they’d been scammed.” He reassures victims that there is no need for shame, stating, “You have been targeted by criminals, and you are not to blame. The first step is to report the scam, and it can also be helpful to talk to someone you trust.”
In light of these warnings, individuals are encouraged to visit MoneyHelper.org.uk for more information on scams and protective measures. Alternatively, they can contact the scam line at 0800 015 4402 for free assistance.
As the community prepares to celebrate Dydd Santes Dwynwen, awareness and caution could be crucial in safeguarding against these deceptive schemes.
