People looking for love online in lockdown more at risk of romance fraud
North Yorkshire Police have warned fraudsters are looking for people lonely in lockdown
Last updated 12th Feb 2021
There are worries people could be more likely to fall for romance fraud as they look for love online during lockdown.
Normal dating has stopped because of the pandemic, so many people have turned to dating apps and websites to form relationships.
But in the run up to Valentine's Day, North Yorkshire Police have warned it could lead to more people falling for fraudsters charms and losing out on thousands of pounds.
Andy Fox, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer at North Yorkshire Police, said: "People can't date like they normally would so they're turning to dating apps to try and find love.
"When I've been speaking to people they've all said this lockdown is the toughest so far and it's no surprise that people are going on dating apps to help with their loneliness.
"More and more people are probably feeling more comfortable to do this because it is so difficult right now. It's so mentally draining being in the lockdown and they're using apps to find connections and that's what fraudsters are looking for.
"It's not within one or two days where someone gets a message saying 'can you send me some money', they spend weeks building that trust up and then when they know they have it, they test the waters and ask for a couple of hundreds of pounds. If that works, then they start asking for thousands and it all adds up."
But once someone has become a victim of romance fraud it might not stop there.
People who do fall victim to romance fraud could have their details passed onto other scammers.
Andy added: "If someone's been a victim to one fraud, they're more than likely going to be targeted again.
"Details of fraud victims are sold on in the same way that details are passed on for home and car insurance and marketing purposes. Suddenly, the fact they've been a victim already becomes a very marketable commodity to other organised crime groups. They think it's an easy target"
If someone is worried they may be falling victim to romance fraud, or they are concerned for a family member or friend, they should contact North Yorkshire Police or Action Fraud.