Be fraud safe this Valentines - top tips to avoid online dating fraud
The NFIB is warning people looking for love to be on their guard against online dating fraudsters.
Approximately £2.5 million was stolen over the past six months by romance fraudsters tricking people into giving over personal details and money by posing as potential 'matches' on genuine Internet dating sites.
Action Fraud has some top tips on how to protect yourself from falling victim to this crime:
* Don't put yourself and your identity in jeopardy by trusting people too quickly - be cautious when getting to know people
* Never send any money to people you've not met
* Keep all communication via the Internet dating site you're using - avoid using personal email addresses
* Report it to Action Fraud immediately if you believe you've been a victim.
The reports made to Action Fraud of romance frauds are sent to the NFIB to be analysed for patterns and similarities between reports coming from across the country.
The Head of Economic Crime at the City of London Police, Det Ch Supt Steve Head, said:
"Valentines Day marks a moment in the year when many people either start or renew their search for love. Unfortunately behind an attractive online profile may be lurking a ruthless fraudster looking to win your affections and steal your money.
"Anyone using dating sites should be very cautious when getting to know someone, and never transfer money till you have met. Anyone who has fallen victim to a romance fraud can help police detect the fraudsters and protect the public by reporting the crime."
Dr Bernard Herdan, CEO of the National Fraud Authority who runs Action Fraud, said:
"Fraudsters who take advantage of online dating sites are a particularly sinister lot. They use clever psychological tricks to gain the confidence and affections of legitimate site users. These fraudsters are normally very attentive, ensuring there is regular contact via email, by text messages and telephone, as well as sending gifts, such as flowers.
"They take or create identities of generally good looking, upstanding members of society, such as successful business people or increasingly, as a US or UK soldiers posted in the Middle East. When a romance fraudster has gained a person's trust, that's when they begin to ask for money.
"The most important thing to do if you have lost money in this way is to report it to Action Fraud. The information is used to build intelligence pictures of these fraudsters so they can be traced and stopped."
