Romance fraud, also known as catfishing, has become a growing concern in the UK. According to recent reports, there were 7,723 romance scam cases reported in 2020, with victims losing a total of £68 million. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased online dating and social media use, making it easier for fraudsters to target vulnerable individuals. In this article, we will explore what romance fraud is, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you become a victim.
What is Romance Fraud?
Romance fraud occurs when someone creates a fake online profile to form a relationship with someone else, usually with the intention of stealing their money. Fraudsters often use attractive photos and false personal information to lure victims into a false sense of security. Once they have gained the victim’s trust, they may start asking for money, claiming they are in a difficult financial situation or need to pay for an emergency.
A recent case that made headlines was that of Réka Halasi, a Seal superfan from Hungary who fell victim to a sophisticated romance scam. The con artist posed as the British pop legend convinced Ms Halasi that he was in a difficult financial situation and asked her to lend him some money. Although there are no suggestions that the genuine Seal or any of his associates were implicated in this alleged fraud, it serves as a reminder of the dangers of romance fraud.
The con artist impersonating the British pop legend created a bogus Instagram account, which Ms Halasi believed to be authentic. The fraudster then communicated with her through direct messages and WhatsApp, even going as far as to pretend to be the singer on a video call, singing Ms Halasi’s favourite song, “Love’s Divine.”
At the time, Ms Halasi was unemployed, and it took her over two months to realize that she had fallen prey to a romance scam and was conversing with an impersonator. The fraudster requested that Ms Halasi lend him £10,195, to which she agreed and paid £2,000. However, he insisted that she sell her apartment, obtain a mortgage, and borrow money from her acquaintances, which Ms Halasi refused to do. The fraudster then bombarded her with messages, and she has now notified the authorities in Budapest.
Protecting Your Finances and Your Heart
There are several things you can do to protect yourself from romance fraud:
- Be wary of people you meet online: Always be cautious when communicating with strangers online, especially if they claim to be celebrities or have a lot of money.
- Do your research: Use search engines and social media to verify the person’s identity. If you are unsure, ask them to send you a photo or video that only the actual person would have.
- Take it slow: Fraudsters often try to rush the relationship, so take your time getting to know the person before you become too emotionally invested.
- Never send money: Never send money or personal information to someone you have never met in person, no matter how convincing their story may be.
- Report suspicious activity: If you suspect that someone is trying to scam you, report it to the dating site or social media platform immediately. You can also report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre.
What to Do If You Become a Victim
If you become a victim of romance fraud, there are several steps you should take:
- Stop all communication with the fraudster: Do not respond to any messages or calls from the swindler and block them on all social media platforms.
- Contact your bank: If you have sent money to the fraudster, contact your bank immediately to try to recover the funds.
- Report the fraud: Report the scam to Action Fraud or the police as soon as possible.
Romance fraud is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences for victims. The best way to protect yourself is to be cautious when communicating with strangers online and never send money or personal information to someone you have never met. If you become a victim, report it to the authorities immediately and seek emotional support. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available.
