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Don't let romance fraud ruin your Valentines Day
Feb 01, 2021
Sky News
recently reported that romance fraud cost UK victims over £63m in 2020 according to figures obtained from Action Fraud.
Andy Knight, Head of Counter Fraud at SAFE, says that:
"Romance fraud involves a fraudster adopting a fake persona and striking up a friendship or romance with their victim in order to obtain money and/or gifts. This can happen either in person or via online dating websites when it's called catfishing."
The crime is a form of social engineering that often targets vulnerable individuals including the recently bereaved and those for whom another relationship has recently ended.
"We all share a lot of information about ourselves online nowadays and fraudsters use this information to research potential victims so it's worth thinking about what your posting on social media platforms or dating sites and apps" said Andy Knight.
As Valentines Day approaches we've put together a romance fraud prevention quick guide to help those of you looking for love to spot the romance fraudsters because it's better to be SAFE than sorry!
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