Romance scams: where to report in Scotland
Key facts
| Report a scam | Police Scotland on 101 |
|---|---|
| In danger or threatened | 999 |
| Consumer advice | Advice Direct Scotland, 0808 164 6000 |
| Support for victims | Victim Support Scotland, 0800 160 1985 |
Most people on a dating site are who they say they are. A few are not, and they follow the same script. Here is how to spot it, and where to go for help in Scotland.
Spot the script
Police Scotland warns about people who declare strong feelings after a few chats, push to move to email or messaging apps, and never manage a video call. Profiles that do not match their stories and photos taken from other people are common signs. Call 101 to report, and contact your bank at once if you have sent money.
Source: Police Scotland: Romance fraud, checked 9 November 2026
Why Scotland is different
Report Fraud replaced Action Fraud on 4 December 2025, but it covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland only. People in Scotland should still contact Police Scotland on 101. Old online guides that tell you to use Action Fraud are out of date for Scotland.
Source: Report Fraud: Report Fraud service goes live, checked 9 November 2026
Advice and support
Police Scotland's Shut Out Scammers page lists Advice Direct Scotland and Trading Standards on 0808 164 6000. Victim Support Scotland offers free, confidential support on 0800 160 1985, and you can report scammers anonymously through Crimestoppers.
Source: Police Scotland: Shut Out Scammers, more information, checked 9 November 2026
Questions
Can I use Report Fraud in Scotland?
No. Report Fraud covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.
I feel embarrassed. Should I still report it?
Yes. Scammers are skilled and target all kinds of people. Victim Support Scotland offers free, confidential help on 0800 160 1985.
Should I tell the dating site?
Yes. Use the report button on the profile. Every report is reviewed by a person.
Read next
Our sister site Smooch has more first date ideas. WhichDating, our sister review site, compares dating apps in the UK.