Essex Police's guide to safe online dating
This Valentine’s Day, Essex Police Cyber Prevent & Protect Officer Gavin Saunders, sits down to discuss Romance Fraud: what it is and how to keep yourself safe.
As more of us turn to online dating sites and social media in search of romance and companionship, it’s not surprising that more people are becoming victims of online dating crimes.
When meeting people online, it’s important to be extra cautious – people are not always who they say they are. There are a few things to keep in mind to help protect yourself from potential fraudsters.
What is Romance Fraud?
Romance Fraud is when you meet someone online who uses a fake profile to form a relationship with you, either to get money from your or access your personal information.
The fraudsters can work to build a relationship with you for many weeks or months at a time, leading you to believe that you are forming a loving relationship and will often impersonate other people. They often build a library of fake images, claiming to be an individual that they are not to build your trust and to seem legitimate.
Once a relationship is established, they’ll often begin asking you for increasing sums of money.
How to spot the signs of Romance Fraud
When speaking to anyone online, it’s important to be cautious. Whenever you meet someone new, think about the following statements.
1. They very quickly declare their love for you
Many fraudsters will claim to be working overseas, either in the military or medical profession. They’ll often move things along very quickly, declaring they are in love with after a short period of time.
2. They make excuses to avoid video chat or meeting in person
To maintain their illusion, fraudsters will often find very convincing excuses as to why they can’t meet you in person or video call. They might claim their camera is broken or that they can’t afford the travel costs to meet you. Fraudsters may also try to move your conversations off of the platform you met on.
3. They’ll ask for help in time-critical emergencies
When they begin asking you for financial help, it’ll often be for a time-critical emergency that pulls at the heartstrings. If you decline to help them, they may get defensive or distant from you.
4. Their pictures are too perfect
Fraudsters will often build libraries of images stolen from actors or models to appear convincing. They can use reverse image searching to find photos that have been taken from somewhere else.
5. They ask you to keep quiet
They may ask you to keep your relationship a secret and to not discuss it with any friends or family to stop anyone from recognising that it is fraudulent.
Who do they target?
It’s important to remember that anyone can become a victim of romance fraud, regardless of age, background or how confident you are online. Fraudsters are quickly able to adapt to their audience and can easily convince you that they are a legitimate love interest.
Reporting Romance Fraud
If you’re concerned that either yourself or a loved one has become a victim, it’s important to report it straight away to Action Fraud and your bank.
Gather as much evidence together as you can and carefully report what has happened – you can report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040. Telephone your bank on their fraud line and explain the situation, they’ll guide you through the process and will collect any information they need from you.
You may be tempted to contact your local police station, but it’s best to go straight to Action Fraud to save time, as your local police station will likely direct you here.
Romance Fraud can happen to anyone, it’s important to stop and think before parting with any personal information or money. If you wouldn’t do it in real life, think twice before you do it online.