Romance fraud is one of the top five most common scams

FEBRUARY is the season of love and romance – but it is also a key date for fraudsters aiming to steal your money as well as your heart.

Romance fraud is one of the top five most commonly reported scams to Action Fraud, and involves people being duped into sending money to criminals who go to great lengths to gain their trust and convince them that they are in a genuine relationship.

Now comes the timely reminder to people who may be looking for love to be extra vigilant, taking measures to ensure their ‘perfect match’ is really who they say they are.

In the first six months of 2024, Action Fraud says it received reports of 4,109 cases of dating scam fraud, up 56 per cent for the same six months in 2023.

Meanwhile, figures for last year released by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB), run by the City of London Police, received 8,792 reports of romance fraud.

This amounted to losses of over £94.7 million with the average loss per person estimated to be £10,774.

Reporting is now at some of the highest levels to date, with an 8.4 per cent increase on the previous 12-month figures (up from 8,110).

Romance fraud is the term relating to people who are conned into sending money to criminals who go to great lengths to gain their trust and convince them that they are in a genuine relationship.

Romance fraud 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.

Fraudsters trick victims into sending money or gather enough personal information to steal their identities, resulting in financial and emotional misery.

How to stay safe from romance fraudsters: 

• Be suspicious of any requests for money from someone you have never met in person, particularly if you have only recently met online.
• Be cautious about how much information about yourself you are sharing online and who you are sharing information with.
• Speak to your family or friends to get advice. Fraudsters will subtly isolate you for their own purposes.
• Profile photos may not be genuine. Performing a reverse image search can find photos that have been taken from somewhere, or someone else. 

However, some steps are being taken to try and protect victims before they part with their cash.

In 2023, 12 of the world's biggest tech companies - including Facebook, Instagram and Match Group - signed a voluntary agreement with the Government to reduce fraud on their platforms.

Measures in the Online Fraud Charter include a commitment enabling users of dating platforms to choose to interact only with people who have verified their identity.

If you think you have been a victim of a romance scam, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via www.actionfraud.police.uk