With February seen as the month for romance we will be looking at romance scams.

Romance scammers will not only make contact through dating sites but also online gaming apps and social media to identify their victims.

Scammers will start chatting and very quickly make the conversation personal to try to elicit information out of you.

They prey on lonely and vulnerable people

• They will move the conversation away from the platform you are using to phone, text or email to ensure that this remains private.

• They will take time to groom you, persuade you that you are in love and in a relationship. The photo they use will be a fake.

• The request for money won't come until they are sure that you are invested emotionally.

• The approach may not be direct – they may hint at needing funds.

• This is coercive control, they will alienate your from family and friends to prevent their “interfering”.

Remember

• Anyone can pretend to be anyone they want online.

• Be wary if you are encouraged to keep the relationship from family and friends.

• Never send money to anyone you have never met.

• Never take a loan out for them.

• Never agree to transfer money on their behalf.

• These are trained manipulative criminals.

If you are worried, please talk to a trusted family member or friend or contact the numbers below

Reporting a Scam

• For advice on scams call - Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 0808 250 5050

• To report a scam call - Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040

If you are concerned about somebody you care about, or for more information on scams, visit: www.iwasp.org.uk