With Covid-19 restrictions causing increased feelings of loneliness, more people are turning to social media and dating websites or apps to find a partner online, giving offenders the perfect opportunity to commit romance fraud.

In the lead up to Valentine's Day, Lincolnshire Police is asking everyone to stay vigilant and to protect your hearts and bank accounts from romance fraud.

What is romance fraud?

Often exploiting the lonely and the vulnerable, offenders will attempt to create an illusion of a romantic relationship between them and the victim to obtain their personal and financial information.

Offenders often use fake identities, sometimes claiming to be working overseas, and invest a significant amount of time finding out information about the victim through social media profiles that they can use to their advantage. The offenders tend to establish a relationship quickly and profess their love towards the victim in a short space of time.

As soon as the offenders win the hearts and trust of their victims, they will use the opportunity to inform the victim of a problem they're experiencing and ask for help by sending money.

Romance fraud offenders are masters of manipulation and have the ability to distort their victims' perception of reality in a similar way to grooming, domestic abuse and coercive control. They will also try and isolate their victims from friends and family so they can continue manipulating them for as long as they possibly can.

When the realisation sets in that their 'partner' isn't real, it can be extremely difficult for victims to seek help and support. The effects can cause a devastating impact on the victims emotional, psychological, and financial wellbeing.

As a result, romance fraud is one of the least reported in our county.

Detective Inspector Simon Mason from the Economic Crime Unit, said: "Romance fraud happens when the victim, either through texts, emails or online chats, has been led to believe that they've met the perfect partner online. It is a type of fraud that exploits the lonely and vulnerable, which makes it all the more deplorable.

"Although some warning signs are easily seen by others outside of the relationship, it can be very difficult for the victim to see past the false reality the fraudster has created between them.

"They will use every trick up their sleeve to isolate and manipulate the victim for their own financial gain, which is why we're trying to raise awareness and warn people of the huge psychological and financial impact romance fraud can have on their lives.

"We're also asking friends and family to look out for signs and check in on their loved ones as often as they can, so together, we can reduce the number of victims falling for romance fraud."

Protect your heart and bank from romance fraud

There are a number of ways that people can protect themselves from falling victim to romance fraud. While social media allows us to stay connected with others, it's worth remembering that anyone can pretend to be who they want to be online.

The same instinct applies – if it's too good to be true, it probably is.

Always use the site's own messaging service rather than switching to text or email.

Avoid giving away too much of your personal details when dating online. You can not only fall victim to romance fraud but in some cases, be opening yourself up to identity theft.

If you are sent a photograph, try using reverse-image search to see if they are who they claim to be. Some fraudsters use photographs obtained from other people's social media profiles.

Never send money or give away your bank details to someone you've only met online.

Never take out a loan, transfer money or invest your own money on the fraudster's behalf or on their own advice.

Speak to your friends and family. They can offer you valuable advice and support.

If you have been a victim or know of anyone who has fallen victim to romance fraud, remember, you are not alone, and you are not to blame. Help and support is out there for you.

Victim Lincs

For victims victim of crime, support is available, whether or not the crime has been reported to the police or not. Victim Lincs provide free, confidential advice and guidance, as well as access to specialist emotional support services. Visit victimlincs.co.uk or call 01522 947510 Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm.

Police encourage victims to make a report as soon as possible and if they have, or think they have been a victim of fraud, contact their bank immediately.

Victims can either call 101 or 999 if it's an emergency. They can also report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or report it online.