AFTER a 68-year-old woman from north Wales was scammed out of £12,000 the Police and Crime Commissioner is warning residents this Valentine's Day. 

As February 14 approaches, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin, and the Economic Crime Unit of North Wales Police are joining forces to warn residents to be on guard against romance fraud.

With the risk of fake online dating profiles trying to manipulate people into handing over money, the Commissioner and North Wales Police are calling on people to think Stop, Challenge and Check this Valentine’s Day:

Stop – never send money to someone you have met online, no matter the reason they give.

Challenge – don’t be pressured into moving away from an official dating site.

Check – think carefully about what you are being told and if there is any way to verify the information you have.

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There are several warning signs that point to an online acquaintance being a fraudster, including the current situation they claim to be in, the speed at which the relationship develops and being reluctant to meet up in person. 

Recently, a 68-year-old female in North Wales fell victim to romance fraud. 

During the summer of 2022, the victim’s daughter contacted North Wales Police reporting that her mother had met someone online and that he had subsequently asked for money. The informant suspected that the victim had already sent over £12,000.

Officers attended to speak with the victim. The victim explained that she had been in contact with a number of males who she had met online playing a game called Wordley.

One of the males sent her an image of an injured person in hospital, claiming it to be a picture of himself, and requesting money for hospital bills. Another male told her that he was a doctor in Iraq and needed money to get out of his contract with the US Army so that he could return home to his daughter.

Another male told her that he had an inheritance owed to him by the Turkish government and the victim was asked to pay £20,000 in legal fees to release millions of dollars.

The most recent suspect had been in contact with the victim for about a year and had requested money throughout that time. He had told the victim that he worked on an oil rig off the coast of Scotland but was originally from the USA.

He seemed to be aware of a previous financial loss the victim had suffered and offered to help her get her money back by putting her in touch with a friend in the FBI. This led to the victim believing that he was genuine and would be able to help her.

The victim had sent money to the suspect to arrange transport off the rig so that they could meet, but the suspect had repeatedly cancelled for various reasons. He had even sent the victim emails claiming to be from his 9-year-old daughter asking for money.

The victim was also told that the suspect had damaged equipment on the oil rig, which he was expected to pay for, but he claimed he had lost his phone and wallet at sea, so his bank accounts had been blocked. He asked the victim to loan him the money to get back home so that he could pay for the repair of the equipment.

The victim was reassured that he would pay her back once he had returned home from the rig. In order to help the suspect, the victim took out loans and credit cards and, in total, sent him over £12,000.

After initial contact with officers, the victim refused to accept that she was a victim of fraud. 

Eventually, the victim accepted that she had been the victim of fraud. She was advised to cease contact with the suspects, to stop sending money and not to accept money from others she did not know. Ongoing support was offered from Victim Support and her family members and her bank were also made aware so that her accounts could be protected.

The Leader: PCC Andy DubobbinPCC Andy Dubobbin

Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, said: “Online dating has become ever more popular in recent years and most of the time it’s harmless and good natured. But as well as the genuine romance seekers on these sites, there are also romance fraudsters who are heartlessly looking for their next victim."

DC Rachel Roberts, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer, North Wales Police, said: “Since the pandemic we have seen a significant rise in the number of romance frauds reported. It is believed that criminals who commit this type of fraud operate within organised crime groups and they are extremely convincing, using specific tactics they have developed over time to isolate and manipulate their victims.

"It is important to remember that, as well as the distress caused to victims here in North Wales, the money being sent to these criminals is used to fund further crime, including human trafficking, drug offences and even terrorism.”

PC Dewi Owen of North Wales Police’s Cybercrime Team, which forms part of North Wales Police’s Economic Crime Unit said: “If looking for love online beware of requests to move conversations away from the dating apps or websites onto more private channels such as email, text or instant messaging.

“If you think a friend or family member has become a victim of romance fraud, speak to them about your concerns and encourage them to report the matter to Action Fraud and/or the Police. The victim can often be the last to realise what’s happening as romance fraudsters can be very convincing.”