Romance Scam Protection: Stay Safe & Stay Empowered

Romance Scam Protection: Stay Safe & Stay Empowered

Meeting new people — online or in person — can be exciting and uplifting. Most connections are genuine, but a small number of individuals use romance as a way to commit fraud or cause harm. We want you to enjoy meeting people confidently, safely and with the right knowledge at your side.

🌟 Spot the Signs of Romance Fraud

Fraudsters often use clever tactics to build trust. They may:

Move emotionally very fast

Avoid meeting in person

Create urgent or dramatic stories

Ask for money, gifts, personal details or account access

Manipulate emotions or try to isolate you

Slowly build trust before inventing a crisis they need help with

If someone you’ve met online asks for money or anything personal — pause and speak to us. We are here to help early, without judgement.

More advice here:
🔗 https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud/personal-fraud/romance-fraud/

🌟 Staying Safe When Meeting in Person

If you decide to meet someone for the first time, set yourself up for a positive and safe experience:

Choose a well‑lit, busy public place

Keep your drink close — drink spiking is rare but real

https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/spiking-advice/spiking/what-is-spiking/

Tell loved ones where you’re going, who you’re meeting, and when you expect to be home

Consider sharing your live location or keeping a smart tag/GPS device on your keys, coat or purse

Arrange your own travel so you can leave whenever you choose

Trust your instincts — you know yourself best

You deserve to feel safe and confident every time you go out.

🌟 If Someone’s Behaviour Is Making You Feel Unsafe

Stalking can happen both online and in real life. If someone’s actions make you feel watched, followed, pressured or unsettled, please reach out to us. You are never wasting our time.

Guidance on staying safe online:
🔗 https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/beta-stalking-and-harassment/protection-from-online-stalking-and-harassment/

🌟 Make Your Community Safer

If a public space in Hounslow makes you feel vulnerable or worried — especially somewhere you regularly visit — tell us through Street-Safe. Every report helps us and our partners make improvements.

Report concerns here:
🔗 https://www.police.uk/pu/notices/streetsafe/street-safe/

🌟 We’re Here for You

If anything feels wrong — a message, a date, someone’s behaviour — contact us early.
Your safety, confidence and wellbeing come first.

Stay safe, stay aware — and look out for one another.
Met Police | Hounslow

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Bob Swallow
(Metropolitan Police, Sgt and A/INSP for Hounslow Borough, WA BCU - Hounslow borough integrated licensing and ASB)