GMP’s Economic and Cyber Crime Unit give out prevention advice after nine romance fraud offences were reported in Greater Manchester last week

Last week, nine romance fraud cases were reported across Greater Manchester, one of the victims reported a loss of £35,000 after meeting someone on a dating website.

Detective Sergeant Stacey Shannon of GMP’S Economic Crime Unit, said “This week is romance fraud awareness week. Online dating can be exciting, but please remember that fraudsters are out there and they use these sites as a way to commit their crimes.

“Half of all romance fraud victims are contacted on dating sites and the other half on other social media platforms, chat groups and in person. Our team of fraud protect officers and volunteers will be out in Greater Manchester to provide advice to protect our community.

“Victims of romance fraud often feel shame and embarrassment but here at Greater Manchester Police we want victims to know that this crime is treated very seriously.”

The victim of a romance fraud can be making decisions that feel rational and reasonable, but this is what makes it difficult for them to recognise when it is happening, however obvious it may seem to those on the outside.

Fraudsters will deploy tactics to create a sense of urgency to make the victim respond quickly by creating a sense of panic.

How you can stay safe from romance scams :

• Be wary of revealing personal information about yourself online.
• Remain on the dating form platform if contact was via a dating site
• Remember that anyone can pretend to be anyone they want to be online
• Be wary if you are encouraged to keep things from your friends and family online.

Never no matter how long you have been speaking to someone online and how much you trust them, should you:

• Send them your money
• Allow them access to your bank account
• Provide copies of documents such as passport or driving license to them
• Invest your own money on their advice
• Purchase and send the codes on gift cards from amazon or itunes

Report fraud through Action Fraud online or by contacting the Action Fraud team on 0300 123 2040. 

Alternatively, you can report suspicions of Romance fraud anonymously to Scamalytics. Using an online form you can enter images, names and details of potential Romance fraudsters. This not only keeps yourself and your loved ones safe from Romance fraud but could prevent others from falling victim too.