Romance Fraud Awareness
Romance fraud is on the rise and it’s more than just money at stake.
Criminals use AI to create fake profiles, photos and videos. Don’t trust everything you see online.
The Metropolitan Police, in collaboration with West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit and the City of London Police, are launching a national awareness campaign to tackle romance fraud; a crime where victims are deceived into fake relationships and socially engineered to hand over money or personal information.
This new video series features victim accounts and crime prevention advice on identifying the signs of fraud before it causes emotional and financial harm. #RomanceFraud
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What is romance fraud?
Romance fraud usually involves fraudsters creating fake online personas to gain someone’s trust and affection through the guise of a romantic relationship, with the ultimate goal of exploiting them for financial gain.
Romance fraudsters use language to manipulate, persuade and exploit. They work hard to make sure that when they ask for money, and require urgency or secrecy from the victim, it doesn’t set off alarm bells.
In addition to the financial loss and subsequent hardship, victims of romance fraud also suffer the loss of a partner and support system, and a future that they believed in. They also have to come to terms with having been manipulated and deceived in such a callous, calculated way. For almost a third of those targeted, the fraud spans more than a year – for some, many years. Due to the isolation tactics used by fraudsters, the victim’s relationships with family and friends are often damaged and they are left alone and vulnerable.
'Staying Safe from Romance Fraud' is a useful guide that highlights common tactics used in romance fraud, and offers advice on how to safeguard yourself.
The impacts of Romance Fraud
Romance fraud can have serious and long-lasting impacts on victims. These impacts aren't just financial - they affect people emotionally, socially and even physically.
How to protect yourself from romance fraud
- Never send money: If you’re in a relationship with someone you’ve only met online, any requests for money should ring an alarm bell. However sad or urgent their story is, never send money (that includes vouchers, cryptocurrency or money for investments). Report anyone who asks for money to the dating service immediately.
- Get to know the person, not the profile: Treat people as you would if meeting in person, by asking questions and taking your time. Check the person online using Google image search or TinEye to see if their profile pictures can be found elsewhere online. Be cautious about how much information you share, and keep your social media accounts private and secure.
- Talk to friends and family: Sometimes a second opinion can really help if you are uncertain about something, such as being asked for money by someone you’re in an online relationship with. Be wary if you meet someone online who asks you not to tell anyone about them.
The Online Dating & Discovery Association offers further advice on how to ‘Date Safe’.
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What to do if you have already been a victim of romance fraud
If you have made a payment: Inform your bank as soon as possible, they can help you prevent any further losses. Monitor your bank statements regularly for any unusual activity.
Identity theft: If you have shared personal or financial information, and suspect your identity may have been stolen, you can check your credit file quickly and easily online. You should do this every few months anyway, using a reputable service provider and follow up on any unexpected or suspicious results. You can also sign up for Cifas services which can help to protect you against fraud.
You could be targeted again: Fraudsters sometimes re-establish contact with previous victims claiming that they can help them recover lost money. Hang up on any callers that claim they can get your money back for you.
How to report romance fraud
If you think you have been a victim of romance fraud, remember that you are not to blame, do not feel ashamed or embarrassed - you are not alone, help is out there. Please report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via www.actionfraud.police.uk.
If you are in Scotland, please report to Police Scotland directly by calling 101.
Further support
If you have been a victim of romance fraud, and wish to speak with someone confidentially, you can get in touch with Victim Support for independent, free, and confidential advice.
Call their support line on 08 08 16 89 111, or visit the website to complete a contact form or access live chat https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/
Romance fraud is never the fault of the victim, further information is available in this practical support guide
Source: Action Fraud UK