Barclays Issues Critical Alert to Customers Holding Over £7,000 in Bank Accounts
Barclays has issued a stark warning to all customers with more than £7,000 in their bank accounts, highlighting the severe risk of losing substantial funds to sophisticated romance scams. According to the bank's latest data, victims of these scams lost an average of £7,000 each in 2025, underscoring the growing financial threat posed by fraudulent activities.
AI Technology Escalates Romance Scam Risks
Kirsty Adams, a Fraud & Scams Expert at Barclays, emphasized that artificial intelligence has significantly raised the stakes in romance scams. "AI has made it increasingly difficult for people to distinguish between real and fake interactions," Adams stated. "Many individuals now fear having their own voice or face 'cloned' by scammers, adding a new layer of deception to these schemes."
The Barclays Scams Bulletin, which tracks scam trends across personal and business accounts, reports that 67% of romance scam incidents in 2025 originated on dating sites and social media platforms. Furthermore, two in three UK adults believe AI technology is making these scams harder to detect, as scammers utilize advanced tools to appear more convincing and dupe unsuspecting victims.
Alarming Statistics and Public Concern
Recent findings reveal that 20% of UK adults have either been targeted by a romance scam or know someone who has, with two in five of those personally targeted losing money as a result. Victims typically communicated with scammers for an average of seven months before being asked for money, illustrating the long-term and manipulative nature of these scams.
In response to these threats, 84% of the public want technology companies to take more proactive measures to stop scams at their source. Additionally, 66% of UK adults acknowledge that AI tools are making online dating scams more difficult to detect, and 53% express concern about voice or image impersonation by fraudsters.
Shift in Dating Behaviors Among Younger Generations
As romance scams become more sophisticated, there is a noticeable shift in dating behaviors, particularly among younger demographics. According to Barclays data, 56% of Gen Z singles are now prioritizing meeting potential partners in-person, marking a return to more traditional dating methods. "Gen Z daters are changing tack and focusing on meeting someone in-person, in a return to the 'old school' approach," Adams noted.
Expert Advice for Online Daters
Barclays experts urge caution for those who choose to date online. Adams advised, "Keep an eye out for red flags, and never send money to someone you have not met. If anything feels off, stop, speak to someone you trust, and report it immediately." This guidance is crucial for protecting personal finances and preventing further victimization.
With branches in Birmingham and across the UK, Barclays continues to monitor scam trends and provide expert advice through its digital safety specialists. The bank's warning serves as a critical reminder for all customers to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their bank accounts against evolving fraudulent tactics.
