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Do you really know who you're talking to? The rise of romance fraud |
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Hi Resident
If you find this information helpful, please “rate” this message at the bottom (very quick and simple).
Estimates show that 80% of people meet their significant other online, but equally, research shows that 82% of all fraud originates online. The victim could be a member of the public, you, or someone that you know. Romance fraud happens when you think you’ve met the perfect partner through an online dating website or app, but the other person is using a fake profile to form a relationship with you. They’re using the site to gain your trust and ask you for money or enough personal information to steal your identity. How does it happen? Romance fraudsters are masters of manipulation and will go to great lengths to create a false reality. Criminals often use a range of stories to get victims to transfer them money without it raising suspicion. The stories are often believable, and something that the victim would find hard to say no to, especially because of their emotional attachment. Denial The challenge is to enable romance fraud victims to see the situation for what it really is. Examples of stories include funding travel to visit the victim, money to pay for emergency medical expenses, lucrative investment opportunities and pretending to be military personnel or working overseas.
BBC have examples of romance fraud as well as some guidance: The Beauty Queen and the Catfish
How to help protect people when online dating: have adequate privacy settings on social media accounts to ensure strangers don't have access to personal information. Stay in regular contact with your friends and family who are online dating to help spot any changes in behaviour or things that don't seem right. Raise awareness of the signs of romance fraud and the tactics criminals use to carry out these scams Report fraud to Report Fraud (the new name for Action Fraud) and encourage people to report to the police If sent a photo of someone you have not met in person, put it through a Google reverse image search to see if they have taken it from somewhere else on the internet Check their social media profile – if a new profile or do not have many followers/friends or photos then it could be a sign they are not who they claim to be. Talk to a friend or family member about it as a fresh perspective may be able to spot something you have missed. Never send any money. Be aware that video calls can be faked and fraudsters can try to prove their identity with false documents (e.g. passports).
How to report romance fraud If you think you or someone you know has been a victim of romance fraud or a romance-based scam contact your bank immediately and report it to Report Fraud. Report Fraud replaces Action Fraud. REPORT FRAUD website or 0300 123 2040.
How big is the problem?
Although male victims comprised a larger majority than female victims, it is likely there is a roughly even split between males and females. Although all ages groups are targeted, the 50-59 and 60-69 age groups accounted for the largest number of reports. Of victims reporting feeling ‘vulnerable’, ‘stressed’, ‘stupid’, ‘scared’ and ‘angry’ due to being targeted. Depression and loss of confidence also make this fraud type impactful on a victim’s mental health. Some victims report feeling suicidal. The impact of financial losses to romance fraud vary considerably , and can be severe, including the loss of life savings, the incurring large debts and even the loss of property, as well as negatively impacting credit ratings, making it difficult to obtain loans. Facebook and Facebook Messenger are the most frequent contact platforms listed by victims together accounting for 15% of reports. Images from genuine profiles and Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated images continue to be used to create fake social media profiles, which suspects use to contact victims. AI is also being used to create whole fake profiles for uploading to social media or dating sites as well as fake websites and listings. AI has also been reported to disguise a suspect’s voice and face when talking to a victim in real time over a phone or video call. As AI’s usage becomes more available and easier to use, it is highly likely AI will be used more by offenders in the future.
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