Hundreds of people falling victim to romance scams, the Financial Ombudsman Service warns
25 March 2026
Between January 2025 and March 2026, we received over 500 complaints about romance scams.
Today sees the publication of our annual review (PDF 4.6MB), which reflects the achievements of our service in 2017/2018.
Using case studies and insight, we’ve drawn out three themes we’ve seen in the problems people have brought to us: vulnerability; new ideas, new challenges; and loyalty & trust. We hope these themes spark conversations across the sector, as well as with each other.
We’ve also highlighted how, nearly 20 years after conversations began about setting up one ombudsman, we’ve been ensuring we’re ready for the future. It’s been a challenging year and our annual review reflects on the changes we’ve been through – while keeping fairness, and the people who are relying on our answers, at the heart of everything we do.
Latest news
New measures to modernise and transform the UK redress system
16 March 2026
The Financial Ombudsman Service and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are strengthening the redress system so consumers get fair and quick compensation when things go wrong, and businesses have more certainty to invest, grow and compete.
The Financial Ombudsman Service urges young drivers to make informed decisions with car insurance
10 March 2026
We are urging young drivers across the UK to make well-informed decisions when taking out car insurance.