https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBOB6bv48ww&fbclid=IwAR37xSvmOfSiYAFpBO4XWx8FEsheLE3xb5CCy5VO9v_wO0uYoWHLF9CnCkM
Self-isolation and the lockdown can become lonely, and turning to the internet to find virtual company or someone to chat to may seem like a good idea.
But criminals can pray on people’s loneliness during COVID-19, and may even use the virus to gain empathy – for example saying that a family member of theirs has the virus and need urgent medical attention. We call this romance fraud.
How can you keep safe from romance fraud?
• Don’t rush into a relationship.
• Ask plenty of questions.
• Analyse the profile. Try and confirm the person’s identity.
• Use Google’s reverse image search to research their profile picture. Often criminals will use an image they’ve found online across many profiles, sites and names.
• Talk to friends and family, as they can often help to identify suspicious behaviour. Be wary of anyone who tells you not to tell family and friends.
• Never send money or share bank details.
• Stay on the dating site messaging service- don’t use any other form of messaging i.e. social media, text, email until you’re confident the person is who they say they are
How can I spot the signs?
• Fraudsters will quickly contact you and try to gain your trust.
• Fraudsters will make conversations about you personally to get more info out of you. They will often ask more questions than they answer.
• They often claim that they have high ranking roles or important jobs which keeps them away from home for a long period of time. This is used to deter your suspicions around not meeting the person.
• Fraudsters will often try to get you away from the legitimate dating site where they can be monitored
• They use stories that play on your emotions which they will later use to try and gain funds from you
If you or someone you know believes they have fallen victim to romance fraud, report it to us online at bit.ly/DPPReportOnline, by emailing contactcentre@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101.
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