‘Romance fraud’ rise costing victims £10k

West Mercia Police has issued a warning that “romance fraud” is on the rise and is increasing due to people becoming socially isolated as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

It involves victims being convinced they are in a relationship with the fraudster, who then convinces them to give them money, often assuring them it will be repaid when they eventually meet and can be together. On average, victims lose more than £10,000 each.

Nationally, Action Fraud received 5,820 reports of romance fraud from January 2019 to December 2019, with a total reported loss of over £68 million.

The average loss to victims is nearly £18,000, which is higher than previous years’ reporting. Victims of romance fraud are predominantly female and aged 50 to 59 years old.

Male victims are generally younger with the highest proportion of victims being aged 20 to 29.

National reporting levels in 2020 are now more than 35 per cent higher than the 2019 average and equate to 148 per week compared to 110 per week.

Police believe the Covid-19 pandemic has created an opportunity for offenders to target victims who have been isolated from friends and family, and the global situation has provided a believable cover story to exploit.

Vulnerable

Detective Inspector Emma Wright from West Mercia Police’s Economic Crime Unit said: “We are committed to safeguarding vulnerable people and disrupting criminality that preys on victims, causing them significant financial losses.

"During the intensification period, we will work in collaboration with the City of London Police to investigate reports and develop intelligence leads to disrupt romance fraudsters, whilst also safeguarding, supporting and offering protection advice to the victims.

“Romance scams are both emotionally and financially damaging for victims. The increasing popularity of online dating services has made it easier for criminals to target victims, so we urge everyone to be cautious and follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign, which offers straight-forward and impartial advice to help people spot scams and protect themselves against fraud.

"Although banks are always looking out for suspicious activity, customers must be on their guard and protect themselves too. Always be wary of requests for money from someone you’ve never met in person. If you think you’ve been the victim of a romance scam, contact your bank immediately, report it to Action Fraud or call us on 101.”

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “I am committed to protecting vulnerable people and supporting victims of crime. Romance fraud is a horrible crime that can leave victims devastated, both financially and emotionally.

“Providing the right support for victims is central to my role as commissioner, and I would urge anyone that has been a victim of this very personal crime to reach out to the support that is available.”

Support is available by calling 0800 9523000, emailing info@victimadviceline.org.uk or via victimadviceline.org.uk