Lincolnshire Police are supporting a national campaign during October, in conjunction with local and national partners, aimed at raising awareness of Romance Fraud.

The campaign is aimed at helping our communities to be in a position to better protect themselves and to prevent and reduce this type of offence from happening.

Romance Fraud occurs online where money is fraudulently obtained from victims who genuinely believe they are in a personal relationship when, in fact, they are being tricked.

The average financial loss per victim is approximately £18,000 and the impact of the fraud on a victim's social, financial and personal wellbeing can be life changing.

Last year nationally there were over six thousand victims of Romance Fraud with a reported loss of over £68 Million.

In Lincolnshire we saw a loss in excess of £2 Million, a 35% increase on 2018. Research has shown that many victims do not report the matter for varying reasons e.g. embarrassment, meaning that the number of victims and loss is probably significantly higher.

Victims hard earned cash, sometimes life savings, is being diverted to organised crime groups and away from the local and national economy, having a wider impact on our communities.

Detective Inspector Simon Mason, from the Economic Crime Unit, said: ""We are committed to safeguarding vulnerable people and disrupting criminality that preys on victims, causing them significant financial losses.

"Romance scams are both emotionally and financially damaging for victims. The increasing popularity of online dating services has made it easier for criminals to target victims, so we urge everyone to be cautious and try to protect themselves against fraud.

"Although banks are always looking out for suspicious activity, customers must be on their guard and protect themselves too. Always be wary of requests for money from someone you've never met in person.

"If you think you've been the victim of a romance scam, contact your bank immediately, report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call us on 101."

As stated this type of fraud is often initiated by organised crime groups with many of the suspects operating outside of the UK. Traditionally dating sites were used by the fraudsters but any social online platform can be used where direct contact with victims is available.

If you feel that you are or may be a victim of Romance Fraud or suspect that a vulnerable family member or friend may be, we encourage you to make a report as soon as possible to;

ActionFraud - Report Fraud & Cyber Crime on 0300 123 2040 or at www.actionfraud.police.uk

Report it to Lincolnshire Police on 101, always call 999 in an emergency

Or call Crimestoppers on 0800555111