Northern Ireland woman defrauded of £15,000 in romance scam as police urge vigilance

A devastating romance scam has left a Northern Ireland woman £15,000 out of pocket, prompting a renewed police warning for the public to stay vigilant when using online dating platforms.

The incident, reported this week in the Ards and North Down area, highlights the growing threat of fraudsters exploiting vulnerable individuals seeking companionship online.

The victim, from Newtownards, met the scammer on a dating site, where a relationship developed over several months. The fraudster, using manipulative tactics, convinced the woman to transfer money on three separate occasions, resulting in a significant financial loss.

Chief Inspector Hutchinson of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) described the case as a stark reminder of the emotional and financial toll such scams can inflict.

“Sadly, this is another example of this type of crime happening right here, right now in Ards and North Down, where a real life victim has lost savings,” Chief Inspector Hutchinson said.

“Not only is there the stark realisation for the victim that she has been lied to by an individual she was building an online relationship with, but she is also having to deal with the financial fallout this incident has resulted in, which is truly heart-breaking.”

How Romance Scams Operate

Romance scams typically involve fraudsters creating fake profiles on dating sites or apps to build trust with their victims.

According to police, scammers often employ tactics such as claiming to be single parents, recounting stories of deceased partners, or posing as professionals working abroad to evoke sympathy.

“Soon enough they will present you with a great investment opportunity they have made money from or an emergency requiring a short term loan of money which they promise they will pay back,” Chief Inspector Hutchinson explained. “However, they do not intend to do so because they do not exist. All they wanted was your money and to get as much of it as possible.”

Once trust is established, fraudsters encourage victims to move conversations off the dating platform to private messaging apps, where security measures are weaker. Requests for money soon follow, often disguised as urgent loans or lucrative investment opportunities.

Protecting Yourself from Romance Scams

To combat the rising threat of romance scams, police have outlined several practical steps for those engaging in online dating:

•  Stay on the Platform: “Always keep communication on the dating website or app you’re using. Many have in-built security and assistance. They also take steps to remove and ban fake accounts so you’re kept safe,” Chief Inspector Hutchinson advised.

•  Verify Identities: Conduct independent research by checking the person’s social media profiles for consistency in details such as name, location, and family members.

•  Check Profile Pictures: Use reverse image search tools to verify the authenticity of profile photos, which scammers often steal from other sources.

•  Never Send Money: “Never EVER send money to someone you haven’t met in person. If you’re looking for friendship, companionship or love online it should never start with being asked for money even to invest, and if it does, it’s not a relationship worth having,” Hutchinson stressed.

•  Use Reputable Platforms: Stick to well-known dating apps with robust security measures and report suspicious behaviour immediately.

Reporting a Scam

Victims of romance scams or other fraudulent activities are urged to take swift action. Reports can be made to the PSNI by calling 101, contacting your bank immediately, and reporting the incident online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Additional resources and advice are available through the ScamwiseNI initiative at www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or via the ScamwiseNI Facebook page (@scamwiseni).

The Broader Impact of Romance Scams

Romance scams are a growing concern across the UK, with fraudsters exploiting the anonymity of the internet to target vulnerable individuals.

The emotional impact of such scams can be as devastating as the financial loss, leaving victims feeling betrayed and isolated. The PSNI’s ScamwiseNI campaign aims to raise awareness and empower the public with the knowledge to recognise and avoid these sophisticated schemes.

“Always remember to stay on site, using reputable dating platforms. Be alert and keep yourself safe,” Chief Inspector Hutchinson concluded.

As online dating continues to grow in popularity, the PSNI’s warning serves as a timely reminder to approach new connections with caution. By staying informed and following expert advice, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to heartless scammers.