This is romance fraud - and it's heartbreaking

This is romance fraud - and it's heartbreaking

Dating online is now one of the most popular ways for new couples to meet, with millions of people finding new relationships this way. Unfortunately, amongst the genuine profiles are fake profiles set up by fraudsters. They are often after your money, not your love. They are masters of manipulation, playing on your good nature and emotions.

Criminals will build a relationship with online members, quickly asking to move communication off the dating website. This is so they can continue their contact with you, even if their profile is later identified by the site as fraudulent and subsequently deleted. Fraudsters are often very flattering, appearing really interested in you within a short space of time. However, they will use a range of excuses as to why they can’t meet you in person, such as they are stuck overseas, have a family emergency, or have an issue with their business. They then start asking for money to help with their problems, assuring you they will pay it back as soon as they can. The fraudster may claim to be desperate to meet you as soon as this obstacle is overcome. This is all a scam and their true intention is to take as much money from you as they can.

This is romance fraud… and it’s heartbreaking.

Stay safe:

Keep all communication on the dating website or app you are using

Don’t be convinced by profile pictures, they may have been taken from somewhere else on the internet

Do your own research on the person – are they members of any other social networking sites? Can you confirm what they are telling you about themselves, such as where they work or where they live?

Never send money to someone you have not met in person and be extremely wary of giving money to someone you have recently started a relationship with

Be wary of anyone asking you to receive money on their behalf and transfer it on. They may be asking you to launder money.

Talk to family and friends for advice, even if the other party is asking you to keep the relationship secret

#LincolnshireAgainstFraud – joining forces to help protect people in our county.

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