Romance scams 

Dating apps and social networking websites have become another big target for scammers. They create fake profiles and go to great lengths to build trust with their victims often talking to them for months before scamming them. They’ll come up with stories like needing help applying for a visa or buying a ticket so they can meet you in person or they might fake an illness or portray themselves as being in some serious trouble which they need financial help to get out of.

Always be extra careful when speaking to someone you haven’t met in person. And if you do find yourself in a situation where you are having doubts, stop communicating immediately. Never send money or gifts until you’ve met in person and are confident the person you are having a relationship with is genuine and trustworthy.  

If you think you have been scammed, do report your experience to the dating website and immediately contact your bank. You should also report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or through their website actionfraud.police.uk