Befriending / Romance Fraud
Victims are being impacted financially, emotionally, and psychologically.
Befriending fraud can happen to anybody. All Genders, Ages, Sexual orientations, people of all Cultural and Ethnic backgrounds are victims.
Just as with meeting someone offline, it’s important to keep in mind that not everyone is genuine. Don’t be afraid to challenge or check details given by another person.
Meeting people online, on social networks, through online gaming, dating platforms, chatting on platforms like WhatsApp is increasing. People are building relationships with people they’ve never met in person. Fraudsters are taking advantage of this and use fake profiles and other people’s images, fabricate stories, manipulate, isolate victims from their family & friends and distort their victim’s perception of reality.
The Fraudsters intention is befriending innocent people with the eventual aim of convincing the victim to send them money or persuade the victim to pay into fake investments. Please do not send money to anyone you have not met.
If you have been affected or know anyone who is a victim of Befriending / Romance Fraud, support is available.
Reporting and Support
If you have been a victim and lost money, call 101 and report it to Humberside Police.
Visit fraudwatch.org.uk for more information about fraud and where to get support.
You can also sign up to receive future alerts at alerts.fraudwatch.org.uk.
Leaflets:
Usefull Links:
Further information – watch the video below