As Valentine’s Day approaches, An Garda Síochána are asking members of the public to be vigilant of romance fraud as incidences of romance scams rose by 86% in 2021.
Romance fraud happens all year round and not just around Valentine’s Day. More than 70% of romance fraud victims are women.
Romance fraudsters may try to get their victims to send them money using the following excuses:
• To cover the cost of travelling to see the victim
• For emergency medical expenses for the scammer or a family member — typically a child
• A business opportunity which would allow them to live together comfortably
There is an ever increasing link between romance fraud and investment fraud. In many cases, scammers will ask victims to invest in a fraudulent scheme or business. Such investments ultimately see the funds transferred to the fraudster through a number of linked accounts. Members of the public are advised to be vigilant as there are huge risks involved in investing in cryptocurrencies and not to share any money with someone they meet through online websites or apps and to get professional and legal advice before investing.
An Garda Síochána works closely with Europol to disrupt the activities of romance scammers, particularly organised crime gangs that engage in this type of criminality; as well as monitoring dating sites for this activity.
• Romance fraud increased by 86% in 2021
• 70% of romance fraud victims are women
• Do not share personal details…
