According to UK banking trade body UK Finance, romance scam cases rose by 64% in the first half of 2019 compared with the same period a year earlier. In the cases reported to the States police, Islanders lost £270,750 to dating scams in 2019.
As part of a Get Safe Online campaign and a joint initiative between HSBC, Prison!Me!NoWay!!! and the States police, tips on staying safe and not falling victim to fraud are being shared.
- Pick a reputable dating service and keep conversations on that platform until you are sure you trust the other person.
- Check the person’s profile by checking their name and photo against phrases such as ‘romance scam’, ‘catfish’ and ‘fraud’ on search engines.
- Ask lots of questions.
- Never send money or bank details.
- Keep personal details private and do not send intimate images.
- Tell people where you are going before you meet your date.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Beechey said romance fraud was a ‘despicable crime that targets vulnerable individuals’.
He added: ‘If someone feels they may be being targeted, even before they have actually had fraud committed, they must get in touch with the police so we can help prevent such
occurrences.’
For more information, visit getsafeonline.org/protecting-yourself/online-dating.
