With many romance scammers finding their victims through dating apps or other social media, Mr Fell also said tech companies had a role to play.
“They all hold information,” he told the BBC.
“We need them to be working better with law enforcement as well.”
Last month, 12 of the world’s biggest tech companies – including Facebook, Instagram and Match Group – signed a voluntary agreement with the government to reduce fraud on their platforms.
Measures in the Online Fraud Charter, external include a commitment to enabling users of dating platforms to choose to interact only with people who have verified their identity.
Wayne Stevens, from the charity Victim Support, called for more resources to be directed at tackling the issue.
“The government’s track record on tackling all types of fraud, including romance scams, is seriously disappointing,” he said.
“Romance fraud is also likely to be one of the most under reported types of fraud because of the shame, embarrassment and fear people experience when they realise what has happened.”
Labour MP Dame Diana Johnson, who chairs the Home Affairs Committee, told the BBC that when they heard from victims of romance fraud, they were shocked not just by how many cases there were, but by the lasting consequences for victims.
“The criminal justice system, social media companies and financial services all need to do more to support victims and ensure perpetrators can’t operate with impunity.”
Conservative Tim Loughton, who also sits on the committee, told the BBC: “No-one is doing enough to tackle romance fraud. because no-one has appreciated the seriousness of it.
“That must change because there’s no excuse now. Government is integral to that, police are integral to that.”
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