REPORT FROM UK

As the use of the internet for dating increases, so do the number of scams associated with it increase. In UK, this type of fraud is costing the victims a heart-breaking £24.5million per year, with over 2,800 people reporting online dating related crimes in 2013 alone. According to new figures from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) and Get Safe Online, one unfortunate victim lost an eye-watering £850,000 looking for love online.

Further statistics show that:

• The average amount lost is £8,750 per person
• 55% of all reported crimes came from 40-59 year olds and 63% from females
• 16% (457) of reported victims parted with £10,000 or more, with 49 people reporting to have lost more than £100,000
• The top five countries where fraudsters purport to be from are England, followed by the United States, Nigeria, Ghana and Russia

Most dating scams stem from online dating websites or forums, whereby victims are duped by criminals using fake personal profiles. Once these suspects have gained trust of their victims, they begin to request money under the guise of various false eventualities. This could be anything from a medical problem for either themselves or a family member that requires substantial funding, to them claiming to be military personnel based overseas who require funds for flights home or early discharge from the forces.

In other instances, as the online relationship develops, the exchanges become more intimate and the victims might be asked to share their intimate pictures or perform sexual acts in front of a webcam. These images or videos are then used by the criminals to blackmail the victim into handing over money.  Detective Supt Pete O'Doherty, Director of the NFIB at the City of London Police said:  “As more and more people go online in search of new friendships and relationships the last thing they may expect is to be targeted and exploited by calculating criminals. Unfortunately for some this will be their ultimate experience of internet dating.  “Using these websites is still a safe and fun way to meet people but it is very important to be aware of the warning signs that may indicate a new friend is not all that they seem. Keeping these in mind when you go online will ensure you can spot any fraudsters coming your way and are instead able to focus on those who legitimately want to win your heart.”