Victims of women in 63% of love scams

The victims of romantic scams – the majority of whom are women – lost on average £ 11,145 each last year, according to new figures.

The data, provided by the Action Fraud Police Reporting Center, showed that £ 50 million was lost in these scams in 2018, when scammers claimed to be tied up in a romantic relationship.

Fraudsters encourage victims to send money or collect enough personal information to steal their identity.

These heart scams are being highlighted before Valentine's Day.

Police say victims are targeted via online dating sites, apps, or social media. Fraudsters use fake profiles to establish a relationship with them.

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In 2018, 4,555 reports of love fraud were reported to Action Fraud. Total losses increased by 27% over the previous year. The total is probably higher because it is thought that many victims have suffered in secret.

The average age of a victim of dating fraud is 50 years and 63% are women. They lose on average twice as much as men, said Action Fraud.

Commanding Officer Karen Baxter, head of the London City Police's Economic Crime Department, said, "As the number of cases of love fraud increases each year, the cost to victims, both emotionally and emotionally, increases. financial, also increases.

"The emotional damage caused by being a victim of dating fraud can often be much more difficult to accept."

Users of the dating site are urged not to take everything for cash.

Many people who were caught judged those they had met online based on their profile on social networks, their work or simply trusting them too early.

Online Safety Tips

• Criminals who commit love fraud explore profiles and gather information such as wealth and lifestyle to manipulate their victims.
• Police can investigate and help provide support, but often, she can not recover the money
• It is very simple for fraudsters to cover their tracks by hiding their IP addresses and using unregistered phone numbers.
• Never send money to someone online that you have never met before.
• Think twice about publishing personal information that could be used to manipulate or corrupt you

Source: Fraud by action