Don’t invest your heart in a fauxmance: victims lose over £50 million to romance fraud

11 Feb 2019 02:00 PM

Action Fraud is warning the public to spot the signs of romance fraud ahead of Valentine’s Day.

What is romance fraud?

Romance fraud happens when a person thinks they have met the perfect partner through an online dating website, app, or through social media, but in fact a fraudster is using a fake profile to form a relationship with them. They will gain the person’s trust and ask for money or enough personal information to steal the victim’s identity.

New statistics released yesterday reveal that many people across the UK continue to fall victim to this type of fraud, often with devastating consequences. In 2018, 4,555 reports of romance fraud were made to Action Fraud, with victims reporting to have lost over £50 million.

Not only are victims losing vast amounts of money, the emotional impact this may have can be even more difficult to come to terms with. In a report produced by Action Fraud, 42% of victims described falling victim to romance fraud as having a significant impact on their health or financial well-being.

The report also showed that the average age of a romance fraud victim is 50 and that 63% of dating fraud victims are female who lose twice as much on average than males.

Action Fraud believes that these numbers do not accurately represent the true scale of the problem. Some people may feel embarrassed to have fallen victim which may discourage them from coming forward to report their experience.

Action Fraud is working with the Date Safe working group to raise awareness of the risks of romance fraud in the UK. The group’s members include Action Fraud and the City of London PoliceGet Safe Online, the Metropolitan PoliceAge UKVictim SupportScamalytics and the Online Dating Association (ODA)

Date Safe tips on how to avoid a #fauxmance

Head of the City of London Police’s Economic Crime Department, Commander Karen Baxter, yesterday said:

“As cases of romance fraud increase each year, so too does the cost to victims, both emotionally and financially. The emotional damage of falling victim to romance fraud can often be far more difficult to come to terms with.

“Heartless fraudsters are cruelly targeting vulnerable victims and exploiting those looking for love online.

“Together with our partners, we are urging people to spot the signs of romance fraud and to follow the ‘Date Safe’ advice this Valentine’s Day and in the future.

“If you think you have been a victim of romance fraud, please report this to Action Fraud.”

CEO of the Online Dating Association, George Kidd, yesterday said:

“Dating services are part of our social fabric, accounting for about a third of all new relationships. They are enjoyed by millions and we want everyone to have a great and safe experience.

“We ask users to stay alert online just as they would in any other walk of life: use the in-built messaging services and be wary of people who want to get you away from this. Be wary of those who shower you with loving messages instantly, but may not want to meet. And, no one you meet online should ever ask you for money.”

Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer for Sussex and Surrey Police, Bernadette Lawrie BEM, yesterday said:

"Romance fraud accounts for 10% of all vulnerable victim fraud reports across our counties and is one of the most despicable crimes we see. The devastating and lasting impact it has on victims goes far beyond the financial loss.

Victims are targeted and exploited when they are at their most vulnerable and the complex tactics and deceitful tales that lure the victims into parting with such huge sums of money are quite astonishing. One of the most difficult conversations we have is telling a victim that not only will they not see their money come back but that the person they believe they are in a relationship with and are looking forward to a future with, is in fact a criminal posing under a false identity.”

Chief Officer at independent charity Victim Support, Diana Fawcett, yesterday said:

“Romance fraud affects victims both emotionally and financially and for many the impact can be long-term.

“These scams can be extremely sophisticated and victims should not feel ashamed or embarrassed and shouldn’t blame themselves in any way.

“It’s important that victims know there is help available to them and we would encourage them to seek support.”

Managing Director, Economic Crime at UK Finance, Katy Worobec, yesterday said:

“We are urging customers to be vigilant against romance scams and not let a fraudster fool you this Valentine’s.

“Banks are always looking out for any suspicious transactions, but we need customers to be on the guard against suspicious approaches too.

“Always be wary of any requests for money from someone you’ve never met in person. If you think you may have fallen victim to a romance scam, contact your bank straight away and report it to Action Fraud.”

Metropolitan Police’s Detective Inspector Suzanne Grimmer yesterday said:

“This cruel fraud is one of the most devastating for our victims to deal with because they have suffered losses both financially and emotionally. The fraudster preys on the emotions of individuals looking for companionship for their own self-gain and profit.  Please follow our “Date Safe” advice to ensure you are aware of how to protect yourself whilst dating online. 

“If you believe you may have been victim of a romance fraud please come forward and report it to Action Fraud – you are not alone and this action may help prevent others falling victim too”.