Behind the glossy photos and loving messages on dating apps lies a devastating industry of heartbreak, and a Birmingham-based private investigator is on a mission to expose it.
The Rising Tide of Deception
Dan Anderson, founder of Anderson & Co Surveillance and Private Investigators, says his firm is inundated with pleas for help, predominantly from women who have been cruelly deceived and financially stripped by people they believed loved them. He describes these cases as "alarmingly common" and warns that no community is untouched.
"Every community seems to be touched by these deceptive practices, underscoring the widespread nature of the issue," Dan told BirminghamLive. His team, once focused on infidelity and locating rogue traders, now finds its workload dominated by fraud. It has surged from a few enquiries per week to several every single day.
"Not a day goes by without our team working on at least one fraud-related case," he revealed. "Sadly, many of these investigations involve women who have become romantically involved with someone, only to sense that something is amiss."
From Car Boot to Award-Winning Firm
Dan's journey to the front line of this fraud epidemic was unconventional. He founded his Birmingham business in late 2019 after years working as a surveillance agent, a period he recalls involving "far too long living in the back of my car" and surviving on meal deals.
The subsequent Covid pandemic forced a dramatic pivot. While other companies closed, Dan persevered. "I was determined to keep the business running in some form - I didn’t see an alternative," he said. This resilience paid off, allowing the firm to expand tenfold and become an award-winning national operation.
A Sophisticated Criminal Enterprise
Dan stresses that modern romance scammers are not opportunistic amateurs but highly skilled operators. "Most fraudsters operate with remarkable confidence, skill and sophistication, making deception their full-time profession," he explained.
They are often backed by fake documentation, such as passports and driving licences, easily purchased online. This professionalism makes their lies incredibly convincing, leaving victims feeling foolish and embarrassed for believing them.
Despite attempts to engage with major dating apps to improve verification processes, Dan says his offers of support have been met with silence. Furthermore, with many cases not investigated by overstretched police forces, victims are left desperate for answers.
"I suspect these victims are only a tiny percentage of the women out there actually being defrauded, lied to and manipulated," Dan stated, highlighting the hidden scale of the crisis.
Trust Your Gut: The Final Warning
Dan's central message to the public is to trust their instincts. He urges greater caution when interacting with strangers online and emphasises that a nagging feeling something is wrong is usually a vital warning sign.
"As I always advise, if something does not feel right, it probably is not. Always trust your instincts; they are normally right!" he said.
He also wants people to know that professional help is available. For a modest fee, private investigators can often provide the clarity and evidence victims need, acting as a crucial resource when all other avenues have been exhausted.
