Romance fraud warning ahead of Valentine’s Day after North Wales gran conned out of £12,000

Ahead of Valentine’s Day on February 14, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin have joined forces to warn residents to be on guard against romance fraud.

The warning comes after fraudsters cruelly conned a 68 year old grandmother from the region out of thousands of pounds recently.

During the summer of 2022, the victim’s daughter contacted North Wales Police reporting that her mother had met someone online and that he had subsequently asked for money.

The daughter suspected that her mum had already sent over £12,000.

The victim, who was an avid player of the online word game Wordley, was approached by several males who spun tales of injury, military service, and inheritance woes.

One particularly cunning fraudster posed as an oil rig worker and promised to help the victim recover a previous financial loss.

He had told the victim that he worked on an oil rig off the coast of Scotland but was originally from the USA.

He seemed to be aware of a previous financial loss the victim had suffered and offered to help her get her money back by putting her in touch with a friend in the FBI

Over the course of a year, the victim was manipulated into sending money to the con artist, who repeatedly cancelled their planned meetings and even involved his supposed 9-year-old daughter in the scam.

Denial

Despite initial denial, the victim was eventually able to accept that she had fallen prey to fraudsters.

She was offered support from Victim Support and her family, and her bank was alerted to protect her accounts from any further exploitation.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin, and the Economic Crime Unit of North Wales Police are working together to warn residents about the dangers of romance fraud as Valentine’s Day approaches.

With more and more people turning to dating websites and apps to meet new people, criminals are using fake profiles to trick people into handing over money.

According to the police, warning signs of an online fraudster include being in a remote country, a rapid development of the relationship, flattery, and pressure to move away from the dating site.

The fraudster may also ask for money, suggest laundering money through the victim’s bank account, and avoid video or voice calls.

The police are urging people to “Stop, Challenge and Check” this Valentine’s Day.

They advise never sending money to someone online, being careful about what information is being shared, and researching the person they are talking to.

The police have also reported a significant rise in romance frauds since the pandemic.

Criminals who commit this type of fraud use tactics to manipulate and isolate their victims, and the money is used to fund other crimes, such as human trafficking and terrorism.

Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales said “online dating has become more popular in recent years, but there are also romance fraudsters who are looking for their next victim.”

Dunbobbin is working with North Wales Police’s Economic Crime Unit to “make people aware of the dangers and to warn them to be on their guard against these criminals.”

He said: “A genuine love interest wouldn’t ask for money or pressure someone into doing something they are uneasy with, so it is important to stay safe online and ensure the person being spoken to is actually who they claim to be.”

DC Rachel Roberts, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer, North Wales Police, said: “Since the pandemic we have seen a significant rise in the number of romance frauds reported. It is believed that criminals who commit this type of fraud operate within organised crime groups and they are extremely convincing, using specific tactics they have developed over time to isolate and manipulate their victims.”

“I speak with many victims who find it hard to accept that everything they have been told it a lie and this, coupled with a large financial loss, can be devastating.”

“I would urge everyone who meets others online to be on their guard and refuse any request for money. It is important to remember that, as well as the distress caused to victims here in North Wales, the money being sent to these criminals is used to fund further crime, including human trafficking, drug offences and even terrorism.”

PC Dewi Owen of North Wales Police’s Cybercrime Team said that when looking for love online, beware of requests to move conversations away from dating apps or websites onto more private channels such as email, text or instant messaging.

He advises to research the person being talked to and to be alert to inconsistencies in their stories.

If someone suspects a friend or family member has become a victim of romance fraud, they should speak to them about their concerns and encourage them to report it to Action Fraud and/or the police.

What to do if you become a victim of romance fraud

If the fraud is in progress and there are suspects present report direct to North Wales Police on 101 or if it is an emergency dial 999.

Otherwise, you should report the matter to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at www.actionfraud.police.uk. Action Fraud are the national reporting centre for fraud across England and Wales.

Victim Help Centre

The Victim Help Centre, whose work is commissioned by the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, is here to listen and offer support, and you are encouraged to use their services. With their specialist knowledge they can:

• Help people look at ways of claiming back any lost money
• Help people build resilience to prevent any further crimes
• Provide personalised support
• Listen with compassion and help people find ways to manage and feel safer
• Act as an advocate when complaining to a bank or the financial ombudsman (with the victim’s consent).

“The staff at the centre understand the embarrassment and shame that victims feel after experiencing fraud. Some people blame themselves, but victims are not to blame.”

“Don’t hesitate to contact the Victim Help Centre if you’ve been a victim of fraud and would like to know more about how they can help you.” Andy Dunbobbin said.

If you’ve been affected by fraud in North Wales, call your local Victim Help Centre team on 0300 303 0159. Opening hours are: Monday to Friday 8.00am-8.00pm and Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm