ISLANDERS have lost nearly £400,000 to romance fraud over the last four years, according to the Jersey Fraud Prevention Forum.
The Forum is encouraging people to remain vigilant to the signs of romance fraud, which often involves perpetrators emotionally manipulating their victims for financial gain – facilitated through the anonymity of online dating and social media.
This type of fraud was recently featured in a Netflix documentary called ‘The Tinder Swindler’, which told the story of a conman who allegedly defrauded multiple women by meeting them on dating apps and establishing lines of credit and loans in their names.
Islanders have reportedly lost £395,370 to romance fraud in the last four years.
Forum chairman, chief inspector Chris Beechey, said: ‘This year we aim to raise awareness on romance fraud and want to help Jersey residents recognise the signs to prevent falling victim and financial loss.
‘We ask Islanders to think twice when they receive messages online and we continue to encourage Islanders to challenge any communications they suspect may not be legitimate and to report them.’
The Forum has redesigned its website with updated fraud resources and also regularly shares educational and scam awareness posts on its Facebook page.
Islanders should contact their banks and the police on 612 612 if they have experienced financial loss.
