An Garda Síochána alert for signs of 'romance scams' ahead of Valentines Day
An Garda Síochána have issued an alert for romance scams ahead of Valentines Day.Gardaí said that there are a number of signs to look out for when it comes to online deceptions. Romance scammers seek out individuals who are looking for love on dating apps, but also target people on social media. Often, they will take advantage of people who may have been bereaved or who may have experienced a separation. However, anyone can be a target.People have lost tens of thousands of euro to romance fraudsters - with one Irish woman giving a romance fraudster €48,000 over a 13 month period, after the scammer made themself seem legitimate by sending her gifts before asking her to "invest in a business." Gardaí said that scammers will try to use the upcoming Valentines period to their advantage."As Valentine's day is looming, you may be looking for friendship, companionship or love online. However, fraudsters use this as an opportunity to take advantage of you and scam you out of your money," An Garda Síochána Meath said.They said that romance fraudsters will:• Try to move communications away from dating websites. They suggest that you move to instant messaging, text or phone calls instead.• Ask a lot of personal questions.• Avoid answering personal questions about themselves. The details that they do tell you seem made up or do not reflect reality. For instance, they may say that they’re university educated, but their spelling and grammar is poor.• Try to establish a bond quickly. For example, they may give you an endearing pet name e.g. baby, darling, etc.• Ask for financial help. They may tell you about money problems in the hope that you’ll offer to help.• Never meet you in person. They will present obstacles and may go as far as making arrangements and cancelling them at the last minute. They may promise to want to see you but offer excuses which delay this, such as financial troubles.What can you do?1. Use trusted dating websites.2. Do not share personal details.3. Do not send or receive money.4. Think twice before using your webcam.5. Trust your instincts."If you believe that you are a victim of a romance scam, or think your identity or personal information has been compromised, contact your local Garda Station and report the crime. Please be assured that An Garda Síochána will treat all reports in confidence."If you have been a victim, it is important to report it. Many victims do not report being scammed as they may feel foolish or embarrassed for being duped, but victims should remember that these scammers use specific tactics designed to bamboozle their online targets.The scammers intentionally use manipulation which can make victims reluctant to accept they were defrauded. "The extent of the scam is not fully known because many of the victims are too embarrassed to report the fraud to Gardaí" said Gardaí.Detective Inspector Catharina Gunne from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau warns: "Romance fraudsters may try to get their victims to send them money using the following excuses: • to cover the cost of travelling to see the victim; • for emergency medical expenses for the scammer or a family member — typically a child; • a business opportunity which would allow them to live together comfortably. In the beginning, the amount of money requested will often be small but increases as the scammer becomes more successful in building the ‘relationship’ and tricking the victim.”Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content.We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
