Love hurts – don't lose your heart or your money to fraudsters this Valentine’s day

• Brits were defrauded out of a staggering £41 million due to romance fraud in 2017(1)
• On average victims lose a shocking £11,500 – over two fifths of the average annual salary(2)
• Almost half (43 per cent) of victims indicated that it had a 'significant' impact on their health or financial wellbeing
• A further 18 per cent stated the impact was severe and received medical treatment or were at risk of bankruptcy as a result
• New statistics released ahead of Valentine’s Day prove that the UK is continuing to lose huge amounts of money to romance fraud – with victims conned out of £41million in 2017 alone, according to figures from The City of London Police, whose remit covers online fraud nationwide.

Romance fraud is described as when someone creates a fake identity to enter into a relationship with a victim with the intent to steal either funds or personal information. In 2017, 3557 romance frauds were reported nationally, averaging 10 reports a day.

This staggering amount equates to £11,500 per victim – a startling amount for any individual to lose. To put this into context, £11,500 is more than two-fifths of the average salary.(2)

Those who fall victim to these frauds are almost twice as likely to be women (63 per cent compared with 37 per cent of men) and in their forties (22 per cent) or fifties (25 per cent). Only 13 per cent of the reported frauds impacted those under 30.

However, evidence suggests these numbers do not accurately represent the true scale of the problem due to the embarrassment felt by some victims of fraud, which can discourage people from coming forward to report their experience. But reporting is crucial in stopping these fraudsters whose impact extends beyond just taking the money.

Almost half (43 per cent) of victims said that the crime had a ‘significant’ impact on their health or financial wellbeing.

A further 18 per cent had to receive medical treatment as a result of being a victim of a romance scam – or had been left at risk of bankruptcy.

The report comes from a new #DateSafe working group, tasked with raising awareness of the risks of romance fraud in the UK. The group includes Get Safe Online, City of London Police, London Metropolitan Police (FALCON), Age UK, Victim Support and the Online Dating Association (ODA).

The group will also share its five #DateSafe tips across websites and social media platforms to help inform and protect users of dating sites and apps ahead of Valentine’s Day.

#DateSafe tips

1. Don’t rush into an online relationship – get to know the person, not the profile and ask plenty of questions
2. Analyse their profile and check the person is genuine by putting their name, profile pictures or any repeatedly used phrases and the term ‘dating scam’ into your search engine
3. Talk to your friends and family about your dating choices. Be wary of anyone who tells you not to tell others about them
4. Evade scammers by never sending money to, or sharing your bank details with, someone you’ve met online, no matter what reason they give or how long you've been speaking to them
5. Stay on the dating site messenger service until you’re confident the person is who they say they are. If you do decide to meet in person, make sure the first meeting is in a public place and let someone else know where you’re going to be

Tony Neate, CEO of Get Safe Online commented:

'Lots of happy relationships are built as a result of meeting someone online. However, as in any form of dating, there are some nasty characters out there who will try and take advantage of someone looking for love. If you’re using online dating tools in your search for ‘the one’, it is important you have your wits about you, so you can spot when something isn’t quite right, before you get in too deep and can no longer see the warning signs. Our five tips will hopefully help you do just that – so you can enjoy online dating without worrying about who’s behind the profile.'

The City of London Police’s Commander Dave Clark, the National Co-ordinator for Economic Crime said:

'We see many cases of dating fraud each year, in which the cost is high, both emotionally and financially. Heartless fraudsters cruelly use dating websites, social media and direct emails to exploit those looking for love. Fraud can manifest itself in many different forms and is constantly evolving; it can have a major impact on victims, both financially and psychologically. In the case of dating fraud, the emotional damage is often far more difficult to come to terms with.

'These callous criminals will target vulnerable victims for their own monetary gain and our latest intelligence tells us that women in their forties are the most likely to be tricked in this way. We are therefore urging people to spot the signs of dating fraud in order to protect themselves and to follow the ‘Date Safe’ advice this Valentine’s Day and in the future.

'If you think you have been a victim of dating fraud, it is very important that you report this to Action Fraud. Sharing this information will help us to track down and identify these cruel criminals who manipulate and take advantage of people who are searching for love.”

Suzanne Grimmer, Detective Inspector at the Metropolitan Police (FALCON) said:

'These criminals have no conscience. They prey on the kindness, good nature and emotions of their victims by offering a sob story to trick them into parting with their money.

'Our message to anyone who uses online dating platforms is this: Never send money to someone you have met online, no matter how convincing their story is or how invested in the relationship they seem. Please use our safe dating tips to avoid becoming a victim.”

Andrew McClelland, CEO of the Online Dating Association, said:

'Dating online is a great way to meet potential partners and build life-long friendships. However, it is important that users take steps to protect themselves from those that might wish them harm; in the same way you would do in any other social setting. We understand the excitement, so share your experiences with friends and family: they may help you spot something that doesn’t seem quite right. Be careful, have fun and keep our safety tips in mind.'

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director of Age UK said: 

'We know that more older people are joining dating websites and we would urge them to be vigilant about the possible risks and take steps to stay safe online. It is deeply concerning but perhaps not altogether surprising that approaching half (43%) of dating fraud victims are in their 50s and 60s. People of this age may have lost a partner through death, divorce or separation, fuelling feelings of loneliness and increasing the attractions of online dating – unfortunately making them potentially vulnerable to scams.

'It’s never been more important for older people to be aware of the criminals who may prey on them online. This kind of fraud is often orchestrated by networks who use sophisticated methods and invest time in developing fake relationships in order to manipulate their victims. It could happen to anyone and is much more common than you might think – 10 people report this kind of fraud every day, with many more cases going unreported because of the stigma of having been so cruelly duped. These scams can have devastating consequences for older people’s wellbeing as well as their finances and we need to do everything possible to prevent them and to bring the perpetrators to justice.'

Diana Fawcett, Chief Officer of independent charity Victim Support said:

'Dating fraud can have devastating consequences for victims, which often go beyond the financial impact, affecting them emotionally and psychologically.

'We know that people often feel ashamed or embarrassed but what is important for them to know there is help and support available to them. We offer confidential practical and emotional help, whether or not the incident has been reported to the police, to help people move beyond the crime and begin to rebuild their lives.'

Victim Support is an independent charity that provides emotional and practical support to victims of all crimes, including romance fraud, across England and Wales. The service, which is delivered by trained professionals, is free and confidential. Support is available whether or not the crime has been reported to the police. Anyone seeking help can contact Victim Support through their free 24/7 Supportline number on 0808 16 89 111 or via the website – www.victimsupport.org.uk.

Notes to editors:

Age UK is a national charity that works with a network of partners, including Age Scotland, Age Cymru, Age NI and local Age UKs across England, to help everyone make the most of later life, whatever their circumstances.

In the UK, the Charity helps more than seven million older people each year by providing advice and support.  It also researches and campaigns on the issues that matter most to older people. Its work focuses on ensuring that older people: have enough money; enjoy life and feel well; receive high quality health and care; are comfortable, safe and secure at home; and feel valued and able to participate.

Age UK’s subsidiary charity, Age International, supports older people globally in over 30 developing countries by funding programmes such as vital emergency relief and healthcare and campaigning to raise awareness and change policies.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and registered company number 6825798). Charitable services are provided through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity’s Community Interest Company (CiC) (registered company number 1102972) which donates its net profits to Age UK (the Charity)

(1) Figures have been taken from frauds reported to City of London Police between January – December 2017.
(2) Figures have been taken from ONS data

For further information about the report from the City of London Police or for more information about the partnership please contact the Get Safe Online press office on: 0207 440 9822 or email press@getsafeonline.org

About the partners:

About City of London Police
The City of London Police is responsible for policing the City's business district, the 'Square Mile' in the historical centre of London. In addition, it holds national responsibility for Economic Crime and under this remit is host to Action Fraud (the national fraud and cybercrime reporting service), the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, the Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department and the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit. The City of London continues to be one of the safest urban areas in the country.

About Get Safe Online
Get Safe Online (www.getsafeonline.org), which is now in its twelfth year, is the UK's most comprehensive internet security awareness initiative. A joint partnership between the Government, Law Enforcement and private sector sponsors from the worlds of technology, communications, retail and finance, the initiative continues to educate, inform and raise awareness of online security issues to encourage confident, safe use of the internet.

For further information contact the Get Safe Online press office team on 0207 440 9822 or press@getsafeonline.org

About Online Dating Association
The Online Dating Association (ODA) was set up in 2013 by industry members who wanted to take a shared responsibility for setting and maintaining standards. The ODA Code of Practice is binding on members of the Association. It sets out what is expected of members under a series of key headings. ODA member sites carry the ODA logo demonstrating their commitment to standards and safety of their users. ODA members have a responsibility to check profiles, to use specialised software and skilled staff to monitor activities and to give users advice, guidance and help. A list of ODA members can be found here.

About Age UK
Age UK works with its national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI and its local Age UK partners in England (together the Age UK Family). It also works internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with its sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK believes that everyone should have the opportunity to make the most of later life, whatever their circumstances. Its provides free information, advice and support to over six million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Its work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and wellbeing, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle.

About Victim Support (VS)
VS is the independent charity for victims and witnesses of crime in England and Wales. Last year we offered support to just under one million victims of crime. VS also runs the national Homicide Service supporting people bereaved through murder and manslaughter as well as other specialist services, which tackle domestic abuse, sexual violence, antisocial behaviour and hate crime, and help children and young people through their youth programme, 'You & Co'. VS is a member of the Home Office's Joint Fraud Taskforce, addressing fraud and with National Trading Standards is the co-chair of the Victims and Susceptibility Work Stream. The charity has around 1,100 staff and 1,600 volunteers. VS was recognised in the National Centre for Diversity Top 100 employer's list in 2016.
Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/victimsupport
Twitter: twitter.com/victimsupport
Victim Support | Hallam House, 56–60 Hallam Street, London W1W 6JL
Registered charity no. 298028 | Company no. 2158780