Don’t become a victim of Romance Fraud

Feb 04, 2022

Action Fraud has recently reported that the cost of romance fraud is almost £92 million.

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 via social media platforms. Fraudsters will use this to research potential victims, it is worth thinking about what you share within your posts or dating sites/apps” said Andy Knight.

We have put together a quick guide on romance fraud prevention to help you spot the signs of fraudsters, because it is better to be SAFE than sorry!

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