WEEKLY FRAUD UPDATE FROM WEST MERCIA POLICE – ECONOMIC CRIME UNIT- 03/10/2023

ROMANCE FRAUD

Yes, this is a topic we have covered many times, but since today is recognised as “WORLD ROMANCE SCAM PROTECTION DAY” it is only appropriate that we send out this message again.

Did you know?
• Reports of Online Romance Fraud/Scams continue to rise year on year
• Yet Online Romance Scams are one of the most under-reported cybercrimes in the world.
• Figures for losses through Romance Fraud and investment scams tied to romance scams, also known as Pig Butchering, had reported total losses to over £90million annually in the UK
• An estimated 7% (possibly lower) of victims report the scam to the proper authorities.
• Romance Scams are emotional, psychological, and financial ABUSE.
• Everyone is a target. No matter age, education, or genderHow to help people you know are online dating:

• Help your friends and family to ensure they have adequate privacy settings on their social media accounts to ensure strangers don’t have access to their personal information.
• Stay in regular contact with your friends and family who are online dating to help spot any changes in behaviour or things that don’t seem right.
• Make friends and family aware of the signs of romance fraud so that they are conscious of the tactics criminals use to carry out these scams and reiterate that you should never transfer money to someone that you have never met in person.
• Encourage people to report to Action Fraud and the police if they have become a victim of romance fraud and not to be embarrassed about doing so.

Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives or neighbours

Take Five to Stop Fraud 
STOP: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud

ALWAYS REMEMBER:
• Avoid disclosing security details
• Emails, Phone Calls and Texts may not be authentic
• Always make direct contact with any organisation by using a genuine phone number
• Stop and Challenge any unexpected requests
• Protect others by reporting Fraud and Scams
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If you’ve fallen for a scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk

Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take early action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks.

Forward Fake Emails received to