UK mobile network operator EE has issued a warning to all its customers about the mounting threat of text-based scams, revealing that nine in ten Brits have shared personal data over text message, chat apps or social media, leaving them at risk of scams or criminal impersonation.

The worrying information was shared by EE as it’s Valentine’s Day today, and the network is warning that people looking for love online could be more vulnerable to scams this month as fraudsters attempt to get you to send them sensitive personal information.

According to new research commissioned by EE, which asked 2,000 consumers aged 18 and over about their online dating habits, 93 percent of people using these services have sent personal details to love interests over text, messaging apps or social media, with 65 percent admitting to sharing their phone number, 51 percent their location and 35 percent their social media profile.

The risk in sharing such personally sensitive information is that there is a possibility the person you’re chatting with might not be who they say they are, or even if they are, is looking to exploit you by using the information to impersonate you on other digital services with a view to scamming you.

“Online dating has opened exciting new options for singles, but also a novel channel for criminals hunting for new ways to defraud their victims,” EE said. “One in ten (11 percent) people on the dating scene today now report that they have been targeted by a coordinated romance scam, with one in five losing an average of £2,500 as a result.”

34 percent of those surveyed said they have experienced suspicious behaviour when messaging with a potential suitor, and 15 percent have even been directly asked for money.

Whether you’re an EE customer or not, the provider is warning the British public of these risks on Valentine’s Day because it recorded a spike in scam texts in February of 2024. The network said it blocked 12 million such texts in the month, an increase in the monthly average of 8.9 million over the past year.

The firm said it expects this February to be no different and is warning people to be vigilant.

“Scammers are experts at preying on the vulnerable”, says Richard Wainer, Regulatory Affairs Director at EE. “At this time of year, when social media is full of public displays of affection, it can be tempting to turn a blind eye to the red flags, but spotting them is more important than ever.”

EE has published a list of its top red flags to watch out for when chatting with love interests online, based on the new research:

1. Asking for money or gifts (64 percent)

2. Using urgent or emotional language (49 percent)

3. Avoiding video calls or in-person meetings (41 percent)

4. Telling a sob story to evoke pity (31 percent)

5. Giving inconsistent answers (24 percent)

6. Dodging personal questions (20 percent)

7. Showing off, or promising the world (12 percent)

8. Asking overly personal questions (11 percent)

While it would be deeply unromantic to suspect all potential dates you’re chatting with online, EE said it’s important to understand the risks when speaking to someone you’ve never met.

“The threat of scams is an unhappy part of life in 2025, and we’re all increasingly familiar with the traditional calling cards of a scam. However, in a dating context, we’re more vulnerable to social engineering and attempts to defraud can be harder to spot”, Wainer said.

“We recommend keeping your sensitive information like your address, email address and security question answers closely guarded and do not share these via text.”

He recommends you can check someone is who they claim by having a video call or meeting up, and to never send money or gifts to someone you’ve just met online.