Romance Fraud on rise in West Midlands

Love-seekers are being warned to be wary of online fraudsters this Valentine's Day, after at least £2.8 million was scammed from West Midlands residents in just 12 months.

As well around 328 people also reported being a victim of romance fraud throughout 2022.

Con-artists will use fake profiles and stories to dupe their 'love interest' into transferring large sums of money after building up trust and an emotional attachment over a period of time.

Their lies can often include seeking funds for emergency medical expenses or being military personnel or working overseas and needing thousands of pounds to cover transport costs to visit their victim.

These criminals are manipulative and use emotive words to cruelly exploit their targets and trick them into thinking they're in a genuine relationship.

Action Fraud has issued advice to stay safe from romance scams:

• Be suspicious of any requests for money from someone you have never met in person, particularly if you have only recently met online.

• Keep all communication on the dating website or app you are using.

• Don’t be convinced by profile pictures, they may have been taken from somewhere else on the internet. You can check photos using a reverse image search on the internet through websites like https://www.tineye.com or https://reverse.photos.

• Do your own research on the person – are they members of any other social networking sites? Can you confirm what they are telling you about themselves, such as where they work or where they live?

• Speak to your family or friends to get advice, even if the other party is asking you to keep the relationship secret.

The organisation also given tips on what you shouldn't do:

• Send them any money

• Allow them access to your bank account

• Transfer money on their behalf

• Take a loan out for them

• Provide copies of your personal documents such as passports or driving licenses

• Invest your own money on their behalf or on their advice

• Purchase and send the codes on gift cards

• Agree to receive and/or send parcels on their behalf (laptops, mobile phones etc.)

They're also encouraging friends and family members to spot the signs that someone may be falling victim to a romance scam:

• They may be very secretive about their relationship or provide excuses for why their online partner has not video called or met them in person. They might become hostile or angry, and withdraw from conversation when you ask any questions about their partner

• They may express very strong emotions and commitment to someone they have only just met

• They have sent, or are planning to send, money to someone they have not met face-to-face. They may take out loans or withdraw from their pension to send money.

If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud. You can do this online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.