Warning dating scammers are targeting people in Staffordshire and Cheshire

Police are joining forces with cyber crime organisations to remind people across Staffordshire and Cheshire about the dangers of romance scams.

The most common time of year for people to encounter romance scammers is the period between Christmas and Valentine's Day.

In Staffordshire, a vulnerable woman, in her 70s, recently contacted police to say that she had lost over £1,500 to a romance scammer over a period of six months.

Staffordshire Police say they discovered that she had several direct debits, of which she had no knowledge, coming out of her account and going to the scammer. She was also sending money to the fraudster directly, which was being used to fund flights and cover other expenses.

A cruel act of fraud

This type of crime is a personal and fraudsters target those looking for love, often using fake photos and information on social media and online dating apps to lure in potential victims.

Dating scams can last long periods of time, as the fraudster builds a trusting relationship with their victim, showering them with affection and attentiveness.

They often ask for money, usually claiming family issues, medical bills or needing money to arrange travel.

The number of people falling victim to romance scams increased by a fifth (22%) in 2023, compared to 2022, according to the latest data from Lloyds Bank.

Men more likely to fall victim

In 2023, men were slightly more likely to succumb to a romance scam, making up 52% of cases.

When women do fall victim to a romance scammer, they tend to report higher losses - an average £9,083, compared to an average £5,145 lost by men.

When looking at the age of people who had fallen victim, men and women aged between 55 and 64 were most likely to be tricked.

However, it is those aged between 65 and 74 who lose the most money, giving romance scammers an average £13,123, the highest amount of any age group.

£92mil lost to dating scams last year

• They are keen to move the conversation from the dating website where you met to text messages or to an instant messaging platform

• They want to know everything about you, but reveal very little about themselves, including where they live and work

• They claim to be military personnel based overseas and require funds for flights home or early discharge

• They claim to need money for medical issues, such as urgent surgery, either for themselves or for a friend or relative

• They've arranged to visit you, but you need to pay for their travel costs.

Liz Ziegler, Fraud Prevention Director at Lloyds Bank said:

“As soon as someone you’re talking to starts asking for money, step back from the situation and never hand anything over. Talking to a real-life friend or family member can be a good way to sense check what’s going on.”

If you believe that you have been the victim of a romance scam, you must report it immediately.

You can call police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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