Love is in the air, but watch out for romance fraud

Thursday 14 February 2019

Guernsey Police are teaming up with HSBC to highlight the dangers of romance fraud on a day like Valentines Day.

This crime prays on people's feelings, and can leave you not only with a broken heart, but an empty bank account.

Police are urging people not to fall for it.

"Fraudsters always look for vulnerabilities, and when it comes to romance fraud, it’s people’s feelings they seek to exploit – meaning everyone is potentially at risk," Detective Chief Inspector Clare Cuthbert said.

"The old saying ‘if it seems too good to be true, it probably is’ rings true here. Because if someone online – who you have never met – starts showering you with affection and eventually gains your trust, you’ll find they suddenly either have a financial emergency they can’t afford or claim to be so besotted with you they simply must visit, but, guess what, they can’t afford it and would you mind paying."

The risks, as outlined by HSBC. 

The vast majority of people using dating sites are sincere and honest in the information they provide and in their reasons for joining. However, there are exceptions, and you need to be aware of how to keep yourself - and your bank account and savings - protected while meeting people online. 

DCI Cuthbert added: “As painful as it might be to accept, these people don’t want to live with you, they want to defraud you – leaving not only your feelings hurt, but your bank account empty. As these crimes are embarrassing to admit, it is hard to know the true scale of the problem. If people find themselves in this situation of being asked for money from someone online, I would urge them to think what advice they would give a friend who told you what was happening. Don’t become their next victim.”

As part of the joint initiative, check out this website on how to avoid becoming victim to romance fraud: www.getsafeonline.org/protecting-yourself/online-dating/.