Romance fraud: Gwent Police issue warning
They're reminding every to be vigilant - saying 'anyone can be a victim' to romance fraud
Gwent Police is warning 'anyone can be a victim of romance fraud' - after sharing one family's story on social media this week.
Just before Christmas, officers were contacted by someone who was concerned that their mum had fallen victim to the crime whilst talking to a companion she'd met on a dating app.
He claimed he was living in Northampton.
After two months of chatting, the victim found out the fraudster's wife had recently passed away, and he was currently working abroad - and setting up a refinery.
He then told her about a 'work emergency', and tried to convince her to move $2million for him.
However, luckily, the victim's daughter spotted the red flags and notified police.
Officers later discovered the victim was potentially being used as a ‘money mule’ and encouraged her not to move any more money or to give this man her own money.
Because the fraudster had spent months trying to get to know his victim, he kept asking for help - and eventually started asking her for money.
He explained that his bank account had been frozen, he desperately needed it for work and she knew he had the money to pay her back after moving $2million for him.
However, thankfully, police confirmed the victim realised this was a scam and alerted officers before it was too late.
You can learn more about romance fraud - and how to avoid it - on the Gwent Police website.