‘I can’t meet, I’m on an oil rig’: Romance Fraud Warning Signs
The Guardian — Romance scams are nothing new. People seeking connection have long been the target of criminals. But romance fraud is on the increase, especially among older adults.
There was a 52% rise in scams among people aged over 55 in the past year, according to research by Lloyds Bank. Also increasing is the amount of money the scammers are taking.
“Never, in any circumstances, send money to someone you’ve [only] met online. No good relationship starts off in this way.”
It’s not just dating apps. The frauds are often very complex, Det Supt Oliver Little of the City of London police told The Guardian: “Romance fraudsters are highly manipulative and often operate with chilling precision — coercing victims through emotional control, false urgency and elaborate lies.”
The criminal will ask for money for medical emergencies. They might claim they have been involved in a car accident, or they need travel expenses to visit a terminally ill relative.
Romance Scam Warning Signs
They want to move the conversation to a different messaging platform.
They’re quick to profess their love to the person they are talking to.
Their story may have inconsistencies or change over time.
They avoid meeting in person, usually due to travel, or make excuses for not meeting over video — the camera doesn’t work, they’re not in a private place.
They ask victims to send money by bank transfer or using online gift cards.