Milton Keynes part of police romance fraud campaign

    Regional force supports today’s global prevention push.

    Thames Valley Police are continuing their campaign to raise awareness of romance fraud, a crime that cost victims across the UK more than £106 million last year.

    As part of this effort, the region’s force is supporting the launch of a BBC Sounds podcast ‘Love Bombed: Who is Alex?’ which explores the devastating emotional and financial impact of romance fraud. Today is World Romance Scam Preventions Day.

    Hosted by Vicky Pattison, the podcast features Sarah, a romance fraud survivor who was manipulated into a relationship with a man she knew as ‘Alex’ from an online dating website – a fake person created by a scammer operating from overseas.

    The podcast reveals how Sarah was emotionally groomed, isolated from her support network, and defrauded out of thousands of pounds.

    “I am delighted to be supporting World Romance Scam Prevention Day to highlight the importance of supporting and not shaming those targeted,” said Detective Inspector Duncan Wynn, Head of Central Fraud Unit.

    “Shame is the ‘master emotion’ which can prevent victims from feeling able to report and confide in their support networks. Romance fraudsters employ manipulative tactics and, contrary to widely held belief, asking for money is not the first request made of the victim.

    “Mentioning money early in the communication normalises talking about it to make later requests seem legitimate and reasonable. Fraudsters will also use emotionally fuelled responses such as being in distress, to prompt the victim to act quickly without having time to think it through or seek advice.

    “These frauds are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with criminals using stolen identities, fake profiles and psychological manipulation to target people of all ages.

    “That is why we are urging everyone to stay vigilant online, talk to someone if something does not feel right, and never send money to someone you have not met in person. If you think you or someone you know may be a victim, please report it – help is available, and you are not alone.”

    Advice to stay safe online:

    Never send money to someone you have not met in person.

    Be cautious of being asked to move contact off the initial meeting platform as they want access to you 24/7

    Be cautious of intense declarations of love early in a relationship.

    Be cautious of late night/early hours communication which is intended to harm your decision-making processes by making you sleep deprived.

    Use reverse image searches to check if profile photos appear elsewhere online.

    Talk to friends or family if something feels off – isolation is a key tactic used by fraudsters.

    Thames Valley Police’s It Wasn't Your Fault campaign and Romance Fraud eBook offer practical advice and supports victims of romance fraud.

    For more information on how to spot romance fraud and access support, visit: Action Fraud: 0300 123 0240 or actionfraud.police.uk, call 101 or report online: Thames Valley Police Romance Fraud.

     

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