Is your perfect match REALLY who they say they are?

Romance scams involve people being duped into sending money to criminals who go to great lengths to gain their trust and convince them that they are in a genuine relationship.

They use language to manipulate, persuade and exploit so that requests for money do not raise alarm bells. These requests might be highly emotive, such as criminals claiming they need money for emergency medical care, or to pay for transport costs to visit the victim if they are overseas. Scammers will often build a relationship with their victims over time.

Be suspicious of any requests for money from someone you have never met in person, particularly if you have only recently met online.

Speak to family and friends to get advice.

Profile photos may not be genuine, do your research first.

It's important that no matter how long you've been speaking to someone online and how much you think you trust them, if you have not met them in person do not:

Send them any money

Allow them access to your bank account 

Transfer money on their behalf

Take a loan out for them

Provide copies of your personal documents such as passports or driving licences 

Invest your own money on their behalf or on their advice

Purchase and send the codes on gift cards from Amaozn or iTunes

Agree to receive and/or send parcels on their behalf (laptops, mobile phones etc.)

If you think you have been a victim of a romance scam, do not feel ashamed or embarrassed - you're not alone. 

Contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040