DATING FRAUD


The world of internet dating can involve some risks for the unwary, not least because of the potential for fraudulent activity. There have been many instances of individuals thinking that they have met their perfect partner online, who then turns out to be someone who appeals for money for a variety of emotive reasons.


The scam begins when an individual registers with an internet-based dating agency or joins an online dating chat room. The victim will then receive a contact from someone who shows an interest, who may be from overseas or may claim to be living in the UK. A long distance relationship may develop through emails, text messaging and phone calls. In a typical scenario, the contact will probably send a photograph and give the victim a pet name. In some cases they may ask for naked photos of the victim.


In such a scenario, the victim will probably have been in contact with several members of a criminal gang. In time, the contact will tell the victim about a problem they are experiencing and ask for money to help out. The story may be that they have arranged to visit the victim but need money to pay for travel, the cost of a visa or a plane ticket which is then ‘stolen’. They may say that a family member needs money for medical treatment.


If you send money in these circumstances, the fraudsters will keep coming back with more reasons to send money. If you send pictures of yourself of a sexual nature, the fraudsters will threaten to send them to your family, friends and work colleagues if you fail to go along with their requests for money.


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