Trading Standards Warns Of Romance Scam Surge

The Department for the Economy's Trading Standards Service (TSS) is urging the public to be vigilant against romance scams, particularly during the Valentine's Day period.

TSS has observed a significant increase in reports of romance scams, where fraudsters create fake online profiles to deceive victims into providing personal information or money.

"Over the past few years, TSS, PSNI, Action Fraud and many large high street banks are all reporting a worrying surge in romance scams where fraudsters create fake dating profiles to deceive unsuspecting victims," said Yasmin Johnstone of TSS. "Fraudsters take the time to coerce victims and often fabricate scenarios that play on emotions and put pressure into handing over money."

TSS highlighted a recent case where a woman lost over £80,000 to a scammer who posed as a Scottish television star.

"We know that romance scams are still extremely under-reported and some victims don't seek help after being left with feelings of shame, embarrassment, anger and confusion," said Ms. Johnstone.

TSS encourages anyone who has been a victim of a romance scam to contact Consumerline for advice on 0300 123 6262 or email consumerline@economy-ni.gov.uk.

How to stay safe from romance scams: • Verify the person's identity: Conduct a reverse image search on profile pictures to help determine if a photo is stolen, altered, or linked to multiple profiles.

• Ask questions: Be wary of a match that ask you lots of personal questions but reveals very little about themselves.

• Be cautious with personal information: Avoid sharing sensitive information such as your address, or financial details with someone you've never met.

• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of individuals who quickly profess their love, avoid in-person meetings or video calls or request financial assistance.

• Never send money or gifts: Requests for money, cryptocurrency or gift cards are all signs that their intentions are not genuine.

• Ask to meet in person: If the person you are communicating with refuses to meet in-person or they agree but continually cancel, they could be a scammer.

• Stay on the platform: Fraudsters often try to move the conversation off official dating apps. Keeping the conversation on the app makes it easier to report to the website if something goes wrong. Don't feel pressured to provide your phone number.

• Report It: Report any suspicious or unwanted behaviour directly to the website or app to stop others being targeted.

Individuals who have been a victim of a scam should report to Action Fraud on: 0300 123 2040.