Crimestoppers
Fearless
New campaign launched tackling romance fraud
We’ve launched a new campaign encouraging the Midlands public to tell us what they know about those behind romance fraud and remain 100% anonymous – guaranteed.
In partnership with
What is romance fraud?
Romance fraud occurs when criminals make their victims think that they have met the perfect partner online, but they are using a fake profile to form relationship with them.
Romance fraudsters are masters of manipulation and go to great lengths to create a false reality.
The set up
Fraudsters provide information early on that seems harmless and normal, such as details about their home and work life. This information is then used later as evidence to support their story and makes any requests for money seem legitimate. Fraudsters can use Al to make their claims more realistic, including the use of Al-generated images or videos.
The reality
In reality, the fraudsters have groomed and manipulated their victim into believing that they are in a romantic relationship with them, and appeal to their good nature to give them money when they declare they need help for a false reason, using their own false distress to overshadow and distract from the request for money. They may even isolate their targets from family and friends so they do not seek help or advice.
If you have any information about those behind romance fraud scams, you can tell us, 100% anonymously.
What should potential victims do to protect themselves?
Be wary of revealing personal information. Remember. anyone can pretend to be anyone online.
- STOP: Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information.
- CHALLENGE: Is this person really who they say they are? Could they be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests for financial or personal details. Criminals will try to rush or panic their victims.
- PROTECT: Contact the bank immediately if you think you or someone close to you has fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud. If you’re in Scotland, you can report to Police Scotland by calling 101.
Stop and think: it could protect you and your money.
- Once a relationship has been struck up, fraudsters will often declare their love very quickly. Many fraudsters claim to be overseas because they work in the military or medical profession.
- They make up excuses as to why they can’t video chat or meet in person, and will try to move the conversations off the platform where they met the victim.
- When they ask for financial help, it’ll be for a time-critical emergency, and the reason will be something that pulls at the heartstrings. They may get defensive if help is not immediately forthcoming.
- Their pictures are too perfect – they may have been stolen from an actor or model. Reverse image search can find photos that have been taken from somewhere else.
- They tell their victim to keep the relationship private and not to discuss anything with friends and family.
If you’ve spotted any of the warning signs that someone might be at risk of romance fraud, or know details about the criminals behind it, you can speak up with information to our charity.
Are you a victim of romance fraud?
If you think you’ve been a victim of a scam, don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed - you are not alone. Contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk. If you are in Scotland, please report to Police Scotland directly by calling 101.
