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Romance Fraud

Romance fraud is when a fraudster contacts someone via social media or a dating app using a fake profile. They’ll initiate a relationship with the sole purpose of getting the victim to send them money.

Fraudsters invest a lot of time in grooming their victims to gain their trust and their love before they ask them for money.

Have you been chatting online to someone who is in the military, is an overseas doctor, works on an oil rig, or has said that they’re currently working abroad?

Have you been asked to send them money, or get a voucher, for the following reasons:

  • no access to their bank account due to it being frozen or taken over by the police or military
  • they need money to get home
  • they’ve been arrested on their way to the airport
  • they were involved in an accident on the way to the airport and need money for medical bills.

If you have, you may have been a victim of romance fraud.

Their profile picture will be a photograph that’s been stolen from an innocent person’s profile.

Their account, whether it’s on social media or a dating app, will be new with little to no information or post history.

Often, they’ll refuse to video call and make excuses if you ask to talk on the phone.

They may ask you to keep the relationship from your family and friends.

Does any of this sound familiar?

If you, a family member, or a friend has been contacted in this way, or you’re in contact with someone who has requested money in similar circumstances, then stop any contact with them and report it.

To report romance fraud, please contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit their website www.actionfraud.police.uk.

Victim Support can also provide emotional support to victims of all types of crime, whether it’s been reported to the police or not. For help and information, contact the charity’s free 24/7 support line on 0808 168 9111 or visit their website www.victimsupport.org.uk.

When online, remember:

  • never give out personal information
  • anyone can pretend to be someone else
  • do not send money to someone you only know virtually.