The Department for the Economy’s Trading Standards Service (TSS) is urging those looking for love to be on their guard to online dating scams.
Many people turn to online dating platforms to find love and companionship. However, this is the perfect time of year for scammers to prey on unsuspecting or vulnerable people.
Over the past few years, TSS, PSNI, Action Fraud and many large high street banks are all reporting a worrying surge in romance scams where fraudsters create fake dating profiles to deceive unsuspecting victims. Fraudsters are known to use stolen photos and fabricate stories to gain trust. Once trust is established, they manipulate their victims into providing personal information, money or gifts.
TSS visited a woman who reported over £80,000 in loses to provide support and advice after communicating with a scammer on a dating app over a six-month period. The scammer posed as a Scottish television star and convinced the woman to purchase hundreds of gift cards knowing once the serial numbers were provided the cards effectively become worthless and are difficult to trace.
The scammer showered the woman with compliments and attention and convinced her the cards could eventually be exchanged for cash and they were building a substantial nest egg for their future.
Yasmin Johnstone of TSS said:
“TSS officers see first hand the consequences of romance scams and the devastating impact on victims with many suffering both financial and emotional distress. Fraudsters take the time to coerce victims and often fabricate scenarios that play on emotions and put pressure into handing over money. This could include paying for medical bills, visa or travel costs, household bills or taking out loans on their behalf.
“We know that romance scams are still extremely under-reported and some victims don’t seek help after being left with feelings of shame, embarrassment, anger and confusion.”
TSS would urge anyone affected by scams to get in touch with Consumerline for advice on 0300 123 6262 or email consumerline@economy-ni.gov.uk
How to stay safe from romance scams:
Verify the person’s identity: Conduct a reverse image search on profile pictures to help determine if a photo is stolen, altered, or linked to multiple profiles.
Ask questions: Be wary of a match that ask you lots of personal questions but reveals very little about themselves.
Be cautious with personal information: Avoid sharing sensitive information such as your address, or financial details with someone you’ve never met.
Watch out for red flags: Be wary of individuals who quickly profess their love, avoid in-person meetings or video calls or request financial assistance.
Never send money or gifts: Requests for money, cryptocurrency or gift cards are all signs that their intentions are not genuine.
Ask to meet in person: If the person you are communicating with refuses to meet in-person or they agree but continually cancel, they could be a scammer.
Stay on the platform: Fraudsters often try to move the conversation off official dating apps. Keeping the conversation on the app makes it easier to report to the website if something goes wrong. Don’t feel pressured to provide your phone number.
Report It: Report any suspicious or unwanted behaviour directly to the website or app to stop others being targeted.
Individuals who have been a victim of a scam should report to Action Fraud on: 0300 123 2040.