Dating Scams (Romance Scams)

You may get an email saying they are lonely and looking for a relationship. The person will be diserable and show a real interest in you. Over the space of months or even years, they build this online relationship. They will ask you to send photos of yourself, replying with nice comments. Sometimes they may ask you to send naked pictures or videos performing sexual acts.

In reality, the person is a member of a cyber crime group (scammers). The person they claim to be doest not exist. The photos they use are likely stolen from social media pages and other websites.

After many messages and when the scammer is condifent they have your trust. They will tell you they are going through a problem and ask for money. They will claim they have an ill family member. Or, lost the money needed to pay for the journey to visit you. This includes asking for money for a Visa. Alternatively, in more sinister cases. The scammer may try to blackmail you after you sent the pictures. Stating to share them with your family, friends or on social media. They will claim to not do this if you send them money.

Do not send money to these people. Report it right away to Action Fraud. If you have sent money, contact both Action Fraud and your bank.