Rise in cases of romance fraud across the West Midlands

The Regional Organised Crime Unit for the West Midlands say there has been a recent rise in the number of romance frauds in our part of the world.

They've issued a warning to the public to help us all become more aware, and protect us and other people in our communities.

Romance fraud happens when you think you've met the perfect partner through an online dating website or app, but the other person is using a fake profile to form a relationship with you.

They're using the site / platform to gain your trust and ask you for money or enough personal information to steal your identity.

Offenders will exploit peoples trust over a prolonged period.

The ROCU says that this type of crime remains a high-risk fraud, impacting those targeted financially, emotionally, and psychologically.

Victims of romance fraud often suffer significant financial losses, but also face the psychological and emotional impact of losing a partner and support system after having been manipulated and deceived in such a callous, calculated way.

Reporting is down, but offences are rising

Sharing the stats about the issue, the ROCU say despite the recognised under reporting, offences have risen by nearly 5% in the past year, and losses to individuals can be in excess of £100,000.

Statistics will show this crime type affects all genders equally and across a range of ages.

Romance fraud is one of the top five most commonly reported frauds to Action Fraud, whilst if you have lost any money, the message is that it is important you immediately report it to your bank by calling the number on the back of your bank card.

What to do - and what not to do

They've shared some 'top tips' on how to stay safe from romance fraudtsers.

These include:

• If you have met someone via a dating app, stay within the messaging function of the application.
• Don’t feel pressured to hand over your mobile number and move the conversation over to SMS or a messaging platform like Whatsapp or Telegram
• Be very suspicious of any requests for money from someone you have never met in person
• Be cautious about how much personal information you are sharing online and who you are sharing information with
• Please speak to your family or friends to get advice and perspective
• Fraudsters will subtly isolate you for their own purposes
• Profile photos may not be genuine
• Performing a reverse image searchcan find photos that have been taken from somewhere, or someone, else

They add that it's important that no matter how long you’ve been speaking to someone online and how much you think you trust them, if you have not met them in person, it’s important that you do not:

• Send them any money, even in the form of gift cards
• 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.)

To report fraud to Action Fraud, fill out the online fraud reporting tool or call 0300 123 2040.

You can also call your local police force on 101 as they have officers and staff to assist you, however if there is something happening and it is an emergency please call 999.

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