A rising trend in online scams has been identified, with individuals losing significant amounts of money to fraudulent schemes. These scams, often initiated through online conversations with seemingly trustworthy strangers, have affected thousands. Authorities and news outlets have highlighted various instances, including a mother and daughter conned out of hundreds of pounds by someone posing as a mutual friend, and Taylor Swift fans targeted in a £5,000 ticket scam. Sian Williams, a victim, expressed frustration after being scammed out of £250 in the Taylor Swift ticket scam. Victims and officials urge the public to be vigilant and familiarize themselves with the signs of such scams.