Romance scams occur when a criminal uses a fake online profile to form a relationship with you. After your trust is gained, the requests for money will begin.
Realising that a relationship is not real is hurtful. But there’s nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. We will support you as best we can, including our top five tips to stay safe:
- Get advice: speak to a trusted friend or family member to get advice if you’re suspicious.
- Fake profiles: is this person who they say they are or could their profile be fake? You can use the reverse image search on Google. This shows you if the picture is showing up somewhere else on the internet, on another person’s profile.
- Don't commit: if you’ve never met someone in person do not send them money or allow them access to your accounts/devices.
- Keeping secrets: if someone asks you to keep the relationship a secret be suspicious. They may be trying to isolate you.
- Look out for friends and family: if a friend or family member is being secretive about a relationship that has started online or tells you they are planning to send money to someone that they have never me. Please contact us because they could be falling victim to a romance scam.
