Spotting the signs of Romance Fraud

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, Safe and Sound, Dudley’s Community Safety Partnership are reminding people to stay alert to the warning signs of romance fraud and how criminals exploit trust online.

What is romance fraud?

Romance fraud happens when criminals create fake online profiles to form relationships with their victims. They often appear caring, attentive and genuine, spending weeks or even months building trust and the impression of a real relationship.

While the connection may feel genuine, it is not. The criminal’s aim is to obtain money, personal information, or both.

Fraudsters are skilled manipulators who often spend hours researching their victims, carefully shaping their stories and messages to sound convincing and believable.

How to spot the signs of romance fraud

• You’ve met someone online and they quickly declare strong feelings or love. Many fraudsters claim to be overseas, commonly in the military or medical professions.

• They actively avoid video calls or meeting in person, giving excuses and encouraging you to move conversations away from the original platform you met on.

• They ask for money for an urgent or highly emotive reason often creating pressure for you to act quickly and become defensive if you refuse. 

• Their profile pictures or photos appear “too perfect” – often stolen from actors or models. A Reverse image search can help check if images appear elsewhere online.

• They encourage secrecy and privacy, asking you not to share details of the relationship with your friends or family.

How to protect yourself – information provided by Crimestoppers

1. STOP - Take a moment to stop and think before sharing personal information or sending money.  

2. CHALLENGE – Is this person really who they say they are? Could this person be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests for your financial or personal information. Fraudsters will often rush or pressure their victims.

3. PROTECT – If you think you’ve been a target or fallen for a scam, contact your bank immediately and report it to report it to Report Fraud.

Have you been a victim of romance fraud?

If you think you’ve been a victim of a scam, please don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed - you are not alone.

Contact your bank immediately and report it to Report Fraud:

• Call 0300 123 2040 

• Visit  reportfraud.police.uk

Want more advice on how you can stay safe online?

Visit our webpages to find information on:

Online safety and cybercrime - Online Safety | Dudley Safe & Sound 

Fraud & scams - Fraud & Scams | Dudley Safe & Sound