UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / February 03, 2025 / Romance scams are on the rise, and dating app Sizzl is warning that unless tougher legislation is introduced, the problem will only get worse. With fraudsters exploiting the lax security of many dating platforms, stricter regulations and identity verification requirements should become industry standards to protect users from financial, emotional, and even physical harm.

Recent data paints a troubling picture: according to data from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, almost £92 million was lost to romance fraud in the 2022-2023 financial year in the UK alone – and these are just the reported cases.

Many dating apps continue to prioritise user numbers over user safety, failing to implement robust identity verification processes that could deter scammers. Fraudsters are taking advantage of this gap, and the growing sophistication of AI-generated images and deepfake videos has made it even easier for to pose as legitimate users.

By requiring all users to verify their identity using OneID - a secure digital identity verification process - Sizzl reduces the risk of fraud by a huge margin, as few people will want to attach their true identity to a scam. Unlike other platforms that rely on basic email or phone number sign-ups, Sizzl ensures that scammers cannot create fake profiles or hide behind anonymity.

This makes Sizzl an exception among dating apps and websites - but Phil Beesley, Co-Founder of Sizzl, argues that it really shouldn't be.

"The dating industry has a serious problem, and it’s time for tougher rules to force change. Scammers are using fake profiles to exploit vulnerable people, and many dating platforms are not doing enough to stop them," he said. 

"Stronger legislation is essential to ensure that all dating apps implement proper identity verification measures. At Sizzl, we use OneID to verify our users, which means that every single person on our platform is exactly who they claim to be. This level of security should be the standard across the industry, not the exception. We cannot allow dating platforms to continue operating with minimal safeguards while their users are being scammed out of millions."

Without stricter laws compelling dating apps to implement robust security measures, fraudsters will continue to find easy targets - and voluntary measures are clearly not enough.

To learn more about SIZZL, visit https://sizzl.dating.