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Beware of Romance Fraud.

North Wales Police have recently received an increase in reports of Romance Fraud/Scams, resulting in 11 x reports being received this week alone.  

 

Victims have reported developing relationships online with people who have utilised fake social media profiles, to build trust, leading to requests being made for money. The fake profiles are used by criminals to facilitate fraud for their own financial gain. Criminals are tricking victims into sending over funds or of particular significance gift cards over to them. Gift cards are untraceable which makes them so appealing to the criminals.  

 

BE AWARE

  • Stay on the dating site and avoid isolating yourself with the fraudster. 
  • Watch out for a relationship moving quickly, with early declarations of love before you have even met in person. 
  • Not everything someone tells you about themselves online is true – don’t take everything on face value. 
  • Reverse image search the profile pictures or images you have been sent to see if they have been stolen from the internet or manipulated. 
  • Never send money to a person you have met online, no matter what they tell you or even if they promise to pay you back. 
  • Never send gift cards to a person you have met online
  • Never accept money into your own bank account from another on behalf of someone else. 
  • Be aware of the information you are giving out about yourself and talk to your friends and family about your relationship. 
  • Report any suspicions you have to the dating or social media site. 

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    Please see the attached practical support guidance with relates to Romance Fraud and Fraud Prevention Booklet, to raise awareness and provide safeguarding advice to members of the community and victims.

     

    You can also follow this link to the Action Fraud website for further information and guidance - Romance fraud | Action Fraud

     

    If you feel that you may have been a victim of Romance Fraud, please contact Action Fraud in the first instance Action Fraud

     

    Romance fraud: Widowed grandmother conned out of £27k - BBC News

    A recent case has been documented within a press release by the BBC dated 15/05/2025. This evidences some of the methods utilised by criminals and demonstrates the devastating effects experienced by victims.

     

    **Any replies to this email, will not be monitored or responded to. This email is to provide alerts only and should not be used to report incidents or queries.**

     

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    Dewi Owen
    (North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
    Neighbourhood Alert Cyber Essentials