As Valentine’s Day is looming a focus on Romance Fraud

A message from Action Fraud.

As Valentine’s Day is looming, this month we’re going to focus on Romance Fraud.  I make no apology for this being a longer than usual article because this fraud has a devastating effect on victims emotionally, as well as financially.  So, for this reason, we want to provide as much information, guidance, and assistance as possible.  Dating fraud victims include all sexes and age groups, so please don’t assume that it only applies to the more mature female!

So, what is romance fraud?

Romance fraud occurs when a victim thinks that they’ve met the perfect partner online either via a dating app, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok etc, but they are using a fake profile to form a relationship with them.  They gain a victim’s trust over a number of weeks or months, making them believe that they are in a loving and caring relationship.  However, the criminal’s end goal is only ever to get their money or personal information. 

Criminals are experts at impersonating people.  They spend hours researching victims for their scams.

Romance fraud takes on many guises with scammers, going from over the top affectionate to downright vicious when they don’t get what they want.  They will try anything to extort money from their victim.

Following the rules below can help to keep you safe:

ALWAYS
NEVER
Be wary of revealing personal information about yourself online
Never send them any money
Remain on a dating site’s messaging platform, do not switch to direct messaging
Never allow them access to your bank account
Remember that anyone can pretend to be anyone they want to be online
Never transfer money on their behalf
Be wary if you are encouraged to keep things from your family and friends
Never take a loan out for them
Be wary of anyone asking lots of questions about you, but not revealing much about themselves
Never provide copies of your personal documents such as passports or driving licenses.  Information is as valuable to criminals as money because they can use it in other fraudulent acts
STOP: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information.
Never invest your own money on their behalf or on their advice
CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you
Never purchase and send the codes on gift cards from Amazon or iTunes
PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud
Never agree to receive or send any parcels on their behalf (such as mobile phones or laptops)
 

Once a victim is caught up in this cycle it can have catastrophic effects on them mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially.  It can wreck lives, with victim’s losing their life savings and pensions, or even re-mortgaging their homes to provide their “loved one” with the money they ask for.

Here are some warning signs to watch out for:

·         They start asking for money early on in the relationship.

·         They make excuses for why they can’t meet up with you yet.

·         They avoid showing their face in pictures or using video chat.

·         They use stock photos or photos that don’t match up with their identity.

·         They use poor grammar and spelling, which indicate they’re not who they say they are.

·         They ask for personal information like credit card details, bank details, driving licence or passport information.

·         They make up stories about why they need money.

 If you receive a friend request on an app from someone unknown then chances are it’s a scammer.  Don’t accept it, or block it if you subsequently discover that they’re after something and it isn’t love!

Celebrity Profiles

Scammers will also use so-called celebrity profiles such as Paddy McGuinness, Robbie Williams, Keanu Reeves, George Clooney etc to entice people in.  There is absolutely no way that celebrities would need your financial help.  Neither would they ask for payment to arrange to fly you out to meet with them.  Please remember that when it comes to the internet, we have no idea who we are talking to.  Criminals home in on the lonely and the vulnerable.  Think before you act.

Sextortion

Fraudsters will also ask for an exchange of intimate photographs (theirs will obviously be fake) which they will then use to coerce and blackmail their victim into giving them even more money and in return they will not share the photographs with the victim’s family and friends.  This is known as sextortion and although it is used across all age groups, it’s particularly relevant for younger people. The suspect may say that they’re a young female in the UK, when chances are they’re a middle-aged male in a foreign country.  We have had crimes where intimate images have been shared with a victim’s employer.  Support and advice can be given by Victim Support.  They also have a department specifically for younger people.

Getting Your Money Back

 If you’re a victim of romance fraud, then also beware of people who say that they can help you get your money back off fraudsters – they too are scammers – once they have your money, then it’s gone!  There is a process that you can follow to appeal to your bank for a refund.  Results vary from bank to bank and case by case.  But before you part with anymore of your hard-earned cash then attempt to do it yourself.  It’s a relatively straight forward process and a guide is attached.  Do not be embarrassed to talk to your bank about this scam – you are a victim of crime and you won’t be the first person to talk to them about it.  Likewise, if you’re struggling emotionally then please speak to your GP, family, friend or Victim Support about it.  Do not suffer in silence.

COVID changed everyone’s routine, but now it’s about not feeling isolated and actually meeting people in your local area.  Below are 2 ways of doing just that:

(a)    Social Prescribing – if you contact your local GP surgery, they can advise you of the Social Prescribing Co-Ordinator for your area who can put you in contact with people and groups who have similar interests as you.

(b)    U3A - Joining your local u3a is a great way to find and develop new interests and make friends in a relaxed environment. 

I’ve also attached a booklet “Staying Safe from Romance Fraud” that explains Dating Fraud in detail and has several links to information and organisations that might help if you’ve been a victim.  So, please take the time to read it or pass to someone who you think might benefit.

As always please report all cases of fraud through to Action Fraud.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article, which I trust you found interesting and hopefully useful.  A pdf version is attached for those who need to alter the size of the text for ease of reading.

Watch out for more posts from us, on various apps, regarding this topic throughout February.

As always, be vigilant and stay safe.  

Best wishes from all in the Fraud Safeguarding Team for a fraud-free 2023.