Bromley (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Bromley residents lost nearly £1m to romance fraud in January 2025, according to the Metropolitan Police’s cybercrime report, highlighting rising scams.
Because of this concerning statistics, Bromley Trading Standards has issued a new warning, asking people to be mindful of the risks associated with online dating.
Millions of people use dating apps to find love and friendship, and their popularity has skyrocketed.
Regretfully, not all users on these networks are sincere.
False profiles are being used by scammers to control people’s emotions and take their money.
These criminals are very skilled and don’t hesitate to take advantage of people’s weaknesses.
They establish rapport fast, and once they are sure their target is interested, they transfer the conversation to other messaging apps.
They frequently give a variety of reasons for not meeting in person, such as being stranded abroad, handling a family situation, or experiencing a problem at work.
They begin requesting money after gaining the trust of their victim, promising to reimburse them as quickly as possible.
But their real goal is to steal as much money as they can.
Bromley Trading Standards has released guidance on how to avoid being a victim of these frauds.
The secret is to avoid being enticed to continue the relationship elsewhere and to stick with the dating service you are using.
Never pay money to someone you haven’t met in person, and be very suspicious of anyone who asks you to do so.
Researching the individual on your own is also crucial.
Verify what they are telling you about themselves, such as where they live or work, and see whether they are active on any other social media platforms.
Because they can have been stolen from another website, profile photographs might also be misleading.
A reverse image search on websites like www.tineye.com or www.reverse.photos can help establish their legitimacy.
Even if the scammer requests that you keep the relationship a secret, it is still advisable to seek counsel from friends and relatives.
Residents should report romantic fraud to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or on their website if they believe you have been a victim.
Citizens Advice can also be contacted by locals via their website or by phone at 0808 223 1133.
The UK Finance Authorised Push Payment Fraud guideline provides additional information on recovering lost funds for customers who were duped into sending money by bank transfer.
A helpful support guide on romantic fraud is also available on the news website.
Visit the Friends Against Scams website for broad scam information in multiple languages.
People can register for the most recent fraud alerts and warnings from Bromley Trading Standards on the Bromley Council website.
To assist locals in locating a trustworthy and secure dealer, they also maintain a fair-trader directory.
It’s critical to remain alert and take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of online dating fraud, which is on the rise.
The fact that almost £1 million was lost in a single month serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with online dating.
In our technologically advanced society, it’s critical to keep in mind that not everyone we interact with online is sincere.
One can assist safeguard yourself against being a victim of these callous frauds by heeding the guidance provided by Bromley Trading Standards.
How effective are current measures in preventing romance fraud?
The broad nature of awareness programs and their failure to offer practical guidance result in “white noise” that leaves users perplexed about what exactly qualifies as romance fraud. For these campaigns to properly educate people, they must be more individualized and targeted.
Due to incomplete or inaccurate data, it might be challenging to determine the complete level of damages when reporting romantic fraud to authorities like Action Fraud. Digital evidence collection and case pursuit present difficulties for law enforcement.
Due to feelings of shame or isolation, not all victims may be able to attend peer support groups, despite the fact that they provide invaluable emotional assistance. These organizations have the potential to be successful, but they must be more widely accessible and publicized.