Don’t fall for a dating scam this Valentine’s Day
Police are warning us to stay alert following a spike in reports of romance fraud
We're being encouraged to spot the signs of romance fraud and stay safe online, after a spike in the number of reports of dating scams in the last 12 months.
Nearly two in five (38%) people who have dated someone online in the past year were asked for money - despite having never met in person.
Increased use of social media and dating apps, during the pandemic, has led to an increase in fraudsters taking advantage of people’s loneliness.
Across Avon and Somerset, losses of £2.4million were reported in the 12-month period up to and including October 2021 as a result of dating scams.
A new campaign by Avon & Somerset Police Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford is raising awareness of how dating profiles and apps can increase chances of falling victim to a scam.
PCC Mark Shelford said: “Romance fraud is when offenders feign romantic feelings for someone online in order to gain their affection and then use this goodwill to commit fraud.
“Fraudsters using dating apps will spend weeks gaining their victim’s trust to make them believe that there is a genuine and honest connection.
“However, weeks or even months later, the scammers will start to ask for money for a variety of emotive reasons, using a range of stories to try and persuade victims to transfer them money without it raising a suspicion. The stories are often believable and victims find it hard to say no because of their belief in this emotional attachment.
“Such examples of stories include funding travel to visit the victim, money to pay for an emergency or medical expenses, a lucrative investment or pretending to be military personnel working overseas. Scammers will often send victims false documents and pictures to enhance their story and the requests for money will usually escalate.
“The victim may continue to transfer money on false promises until they realise the lie or the fraudster ceases contact. In some cases, victims struggle to end communication with the fraudster due to months of forming a relationship and investing emotionally in a scammer. Whatever the outcome, romance fraud is a heart-breaking crime and I know victims can often feel ashamed when they realise they have been scammed.
How to spot signs:
How to protect yourself from romance fraud:
How to help protect others:
Avon & Somerset Police are also encouraging people to 'Take 5 to Stop Fraud' by following this guidance:
Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore your requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
Protect: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact you bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.