Surrey Police appeal for romance fraud victims to come forward
The Force says cases have risen during the pandemic
Surrey Police have issued a warning about romance fraud after an ongoing operation saw 10 people arrested.
Already this year Surrey and Sussex Police have seen 186 reports of romance fraud.
Officers say cases have risen by a third in 2020 compared to the year before.
They say it is following a change in circumstances and subsequent loneliness as a result of the pandemic.
And they are appealing for victims to come forward and report it.
Speaking after three people were arrested last week on suspicion of fraud by false representation and money laundering, as part of the same investigation, investigating officer DC Mason said: "Romance fraud is a particularly cunning, cruel and highly manipulative crime. The impact this leaves on victims can be devastating.
"I hope this action today encourages victims of online romance fraud to come forward and report it so those responsible can be brought to justice."
Episodes 5 and 10 of the TV show For Love or Money on the BBC feature some Surrey Police fraud cases.
You can watch them back via the BBC website here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000stv9/for-love-or-money-series-2-episode-10
Surrey Police have the following tips to stop it happening to you:
Avoid giving away too many personal details online. Revealing your full name, date of birth and home address may lead to identity theft.
Never send or receive money or give away bank details to someone you’ve only met online, no matter how much you trust them or believe their story.
Pick a reputable dating website and use the messaging service on their website. Fraudsters want to quickly switch to social media or texting so there’s no evidence of them asking you for money.
Is this person really who they say they are? Don’t allow yourself to feel bad for being suspicious - if the person you are speaking to is genuine, they will understand your caution.
Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been victim of a scam. Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or report to them online via their website.