Crimestoppers launch Romance Fraud awareness campaign

Over £99 million was lost in 2021 collectively to romance fraud.

In the midst of the cost of living crisis, there has never been as great a need to protect vulnerable people from fraud and scams. The new Crimestoppers campaign aims to drive people to report what they know about the criminals behind romance fraud by using their unique anonymous reporting service.

Online dating, for example, is now one of the most common ways to meet a romantic partner. While most users are genuine, unfortunately some are looking to take advantage of individuals looking for love. Romance fraudsters use language to manipulate, persuade and exploit their victims; they distort their victims’ perception of reality in a similar way to grooming, domestic abuse and coercive control – making it difficult for them to recognise what is happening, living in denial with a fake relationship. The fraudster’s lies can cause severe anxiety, isolation of their victims from their family and friends, and reliance on the fraudster for human connection.

The combination of circumstance and opportunity means fraudsters now use fake profiles, fabricate stories, manipulate, and coerce – all with the intention of befriending innocent people on the internet, and with the eventual aim of convincing the innocent person to send them money. This is romance fraud.

Crimestoppers have developed a six-month-long social media and PR campaign, working with City of London Police and Action Fraud, to raise awareness of what romance fraud is, and how we all have the power to stop it.

Running from December 14th 2022 until 14th June 2023 this campaign will be aiming to highlight the signs of romance fraud to look out for and how to report any suspicions you may have.

To find out more about Romance Fraud and how you can report or seek guidance please visit https://crimestoppers-uk.org/campaigns-media/campaigns/tackling-romance-fraud

You can contact Crimestoppers on the phone or online – just call free on 0800 555 111 or use the online form