Online Dating Romance Fraud

I suppose as more and more people are getting wise to the many scams knocking about, scammers are having to get more creative. We’ve mentioned a fair few scams already on here. So, hopefully you have found these posts useful and managed to stay away from the scams. Here’s another to be aware of. And it’s a new one to me. It is an online dating romance fraud. Carry on reading for more information. Thanks again, John from Blacon, for the very important heads up from Cheshire Police.

Online Dating Romance Fraud

Have a read of this folks and spread the word where you can.

“The people of Cheshire are being advised to stay safe when dating online as part of a national campaign targeting online dating romance fraud. Throughout October officers will be raising awareness and providing advice to the public on how to spot the signs to help prevent them from becoming a victim.

Romance fraud, or dating fraud, or even online dating romance fraud, takes place when you think you’ve met the perfect partner online but they are using a fake profile to form a relationship with you.

They gain your trust over a number of weeks or months and have you believe you are in a loving and caring relationship. However, the criminal’s end goal is only ever to get your money or personal information.

Detective Sergeant Chris Jacques, from Cheshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit, said:

“It is important to understand that people who commit these crimes do so in an incredibly sophisticated way and often target those most vulnerable.

“It affects victims emotionally as well as financially and often leaves them blaming themselves.

“Throughout the month we will be going that extra mile to make people aware of what signs to look out for. Also we will be encouraging people who have become a victim to report it to us knowing they will be given support.”

Online Dating Romance Fraud Campaign

The campaign, being led by the City of London Police, will involve supporting vulnerable people and targeting those who commit these crimes. Make a note of the top five platforms where victims reported first interacting with a criminal committing romance fraud. These were Facebook, Plenty of Fish, Instagram, Tinder and Match.com.

As part of the campaign the Match Group, who own OK Cupid, Plenty of Fish, Tinder and Match.com, are running romance fraud protection adverts throughout October on these platforms. This is to inform their users how to spot the signs of an online dating romance fraud and how to protect themselves online.

These include:

a/ Avoid giving away too many personal details to someone you’ve never met in person – such as your full name, date of birth and home address.

b/ Stay on the site’s messaging service until you meet in person.

c/ Use the site’s reporting tool if you are suspicious of someone online. This will help protect you and others.

You can get further information by visiting – https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/ .

Please stay safe and if a friend or family member mentions sending money to someone they have met online, then please stop them and share the above information.

If you suspect that you or someone you know is a victim of online dating romance fraud then please report to action fraud – https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/.

Message Sent By Beth George (Police, Great Boughton PCSO, Chester LPU).”

Chester Crimewatch

Take a note folks. And, as I say, spread the word where you can. I would imagine in this current climate these type of websites may well prosper. Especially, as more and more people are in lockdown.

As ecommerce websites and the likes of Amazon and Ebay will be booming. Online shopping will be increasing. And with this online dating romance fraud I imagine online dating is very active as well.

Another very important addition to our Chester Crimewatch category. To see all posts in this category, click this link HERE. Thanks for reading folks and thanks for visiting my Chester Lifestyle website. Much appreciated.

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