ROMANCE FRAUD

This has been highlighted several times previously but this type of fraud still remains high on the list of reported fraud.                         It can be found across the all age ranges.

How does it work?

Basically criminals will go to great lengths to gain the victim’s trust by claiming they are in a genuine relationship                            which is built up over time

·  They will manipulate and exploit the victim to the extent they are persuaded they are in a real and genuine relationship

·  Then when they ask for money the victim is convinced there is no problem with the request

·  The requests can be very emotive citing reasons such as medical emergencies, travel costs, payment of fines or taxes,                 or even claiming their bank account has been frozen

Tell-tale signs a friend or family member is involved in a Romance Scam

·  They may be very secretive about their relationship or provide excuses for why their online partner has not video called             or met them in person. 

·  They may be unwilling to discuss their online relationship

·  They may express very strong emotions and commitment to someone they have only just met

·  They have sent, or are planning to send, money to someone they have not met face-to-face. They may take out loans                 or withdraw from their pension to send money.

Stay safe

·  Never send money from someone you have never met in person

·  Never part with your bank or personal details to strangers online however genuine they claim to be

·  Always seek advice from somebody trusted before parting with any money in any format, whether it is bank transfers,         PayPal, Gift Cards or bitcoin currencies.

·  Profile photos are very often fake, you can research any image by doing a “Reverse Image” search  online                                              to find photos that have been copied from elsewhere.

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Are you Scam Savvy?

Test your awareness of scams and frauds at:  https://quiz.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk

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Take Five To Stop Fraud 

·  Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

·  Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

·  Protect: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

For further information visit:

              https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/                                                                      https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/