Romance fraud is a significant problem affecting thousands of people worldwide, particularly those looking for love online. In the UK, it is a growing concern that has led to substantial financial losses for victims. According to the City of London Police, reported losses due to romance fraud in the UK reached a staggering £68 million in 2020 alone, with an average loss per victim of around £10,000. In this article, we’ll explore what romance fraud is, how to prevent it, and how to report it if you become a victim.
What is Romance Fraud?
Romance fraud is a form of online fraud where criminals use fake identities to build trust with their victims, often through online dating sites or social media platforms. The fraudster will then ask for money and personal information or use other tactics to exploit their victims. In some cases, the fraudster may ask their victim to invest in a business or to help them with a financial problem. Once the victim has given the fraudster what they want, they will often disappear, leaving the victim with little chance of recovering their money.
Emmanuel Scotts – A Convicted Romance Fraudster
Emmanuel Scotts is a 55-year-old convicted romance fraudster who has recently been sentenced to 12 years in prison for defrauding four women he met on online dating sites. Scotts had previously served jail time for fraud and used his previous experience to trick his victims into believing he was a successful stockbroker. He pressured them to invest more than £320,000 with him, promising them high returns on their investments. Instead, he used most of the money to gamble and support himself and his family, leaving his victims emotionally damaged.
How to Prevent Romance Fraud
Romance fraud prevention is crucial to avoid becoming a victim. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
- Be cautious when communicating with individuals online. If someone seems too good to be true, they probably are.
- Research and verify the identity of the person you are talking to. Use search engines and social media to see if their profile is genuine.
- Set privacy settings on social media profiles and dating apps. This will prevent scammers from seeing your personal information.
- Avoid sending money to someone you have not met in person. If someone asks you for money, it is likely to be a scam.
- Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or suspicious about someone, stop communicating with them.
What to do if you are a Victim of Fraud
If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, it is essential to report it as soon as possible. You can do this by contacting Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre. They will take your report and provide you with a police crime reference number, which you can use to make an insurance claim.
It is also important to seek support and help to overcome the emotional distress and shame that often accompanies being a victim of fraud. Victim Support is a charity that provides emotional and practical support to victims of all types of crime, including fraud. They can help you understand your rights, offer advice on how to stay safe, and refer you to other services if necessary.
The Emotional Toll of Romance Fraud on Victims
Romance fraud can devastate victims, leading to a sense of betrayal, confusion, emotional distress, loss of confidence, shame, and embarrassment. Survivors often feel ashamed that they fell for the scam and could not see through the fraudster’s lies. This leads to feelings of isolation and reluctance to talk to others about what has happened. It is crucial for victims to seek support and help to overcome these emotions and for society as a whole to recognise the devastating effects of romance fraud and take steps to prevent it.
