Protecting yourself from relationship fraud
Posted by Matthew Andrews on August 28th, 2024.
Your safety and the security of your money is our highest priority, and we implement stringent safeguarding measures to protect all our customers. However, it’s also important for you to take steps to shield yourself from fraud.
To assist you in identifying potential scams and staying secure, we are publishing a series of articles focused on fraud protection. This article specifically addresses relationship fraud.
What is relationship fraud?
Relationship fraud, commonly referred to as romance fraud, occurs when an individual pretends to have romantic or intimate feelings to earn someone’s trust. Once this trust is established, the fraudster exploits it, often to scam the victim out of money or steal personal information for identity theft.
This type of fraud frequently takes place online, especially on dating apps and social media platforms. Scammers often build relationships over time, making it difficult for victims to recognise when a request for money is actually a scam.
These fraudsters are skilled at using manipulative and persuasive language to exploit their targets emotionally. Their requests for money often involve urgent, emotionally charged situations, such as needing a loan for a medical emergency or buying travel tickets to meet the victim in person.
An example of relationship fraud
Emma, a young professional, decided to try her luck on a dating app in hopes of finding a new partner. She soon matched with a man named Daniel, who claimed to live in a nearby city. From their first conversation, it was clear they had an instant connection.
Daniel was charming, kind, and shared Emma’s sense of humour. They quickly exchanged phone numbers and began texting regularly, and their online relationship blossomed into something special.
As their connection grew stronger, Emma and Daniel made plans to meet in person. However, just as their meeting was on the horizon, Daniel revealed that he was temporarily relocated to the US for work. This meant their much-anticipated meeting would have to wait.
A month later, Daniel called Emma in a state of panic. He explained that he was supposed to fly back to the UK that day to meet her later in the week. But due to a series of unfortunate events, he had lost his wallet and missed his flight.
He sounded desperate and apologised profusely. Daniel asked Emma if she could cover the cost of his flight, promising that she could trust him to pay her back as soon as he regained access to his bank accounts.
Emma was hesitant but torn. She wanted to believe Daniel, and the thought of finally meeting him was too much. Reluctantly, she agreed and gave him her bank details over the phone.
However, after that conversation, Daniel vanished. He stopped responding to her messages entirely. Hours after his supposed flight was due to land, Emma felt uneasy and decided to check her bank account. To her horror, thousands of pounds had been transferred out to unknown accounts.
Five tips on how to protect yourself
Be vigilant
Protecting yourself against relationship fraud begins with a healthy dose of caution. Fraudsters often exhibit telltale signs, such as pushing for a rapidly progressing relationship and engaging in emotional manipulation. If you notice any red flags or feel pressured, take a step back and trust your instincts. A genuine friend or romantic partner will always respect your need for space and time.
Reverse image search
Spotting fake profile pictures can be challenging, but a reverse image search can be a helpful tool. By performing a reverse image search on a contact’s user photo, you may discover if the image belongs to someone else or if it was generated by AI. This method can help you identify potential fraud early on.
However, keep in mind that sophisticated scammers may create fake profiles elsewhere to make an image appear authentic. While a reverse image search can reveal potential red flags, it shouldn’t be your only method for verifying someone’s identity.
Avoid sending money to strangers
A major warning sign is when someone asks you for money. Regardless of how long you’ve been communicating, how close you feel, or how much you trust them, never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
Additionally, do not share your bank details, personal documents, or take out loans or credit cards for someone you’ve only met online. Such requests should raise immediate concerns.
Politely refuse any financial requests, and be wary if the person tries to pressure or emotionally manipulate you. Such behaviour is a strong indication that they may be attempting to defraud you.
Talk to Your Friends and Family
Relationships are deeply personal, and it’s natural to want to keep things private, especially with online connections. However, discussing your situation with trusted family and friends can provide clarity and insight.
Scammers are adept at manipulating emotions, which can cloud judgment. A third-party perspective can offer a clearer view from outside your relationship bubble.
If you suspect that someone you know might be falling victim to relationship fraud and seems secretive about a new online romance, approach them with understanding and empathy. A non-judgemental conversation can help them see the situation more objectively.
Research potential tells
While this overview provides helpful information, some organisations offer more in-depth guides on spotting relationship fraudsters. For example, Thames Valley Police has published an ebooklet detailing specific speech patterns and behaviours associated with scams. Educating yourself with such resources can better prepare you to identify and avoid fraudulent relationships.
If someone targets you
If you suspect that you may have been a victim of relationship fraud or are worried someone is targeting you in such a manner, it’s crucial to act immediately.
Report any lost documents, such as passports or debit cards, to the issuing organisations to cancel them and request replacements. If you notice any unusual or missing letters or unrecognisable bank transfers, contact the relevant company right away.
If you believe that a document or sensitive information has been stolen, inform the police or use the Action Fraud online reporting tool.
Additionally, consider applying for protective registration with CIFAS, the UK’s leading fraud prevention service. For a fee of £25 for two years, CIFAS will flag your name in their National Fraud Database, alerting organisations using their data to take extra precautions due to the potential risk.
More information on identity fraud
For more information on how to detect and protect yourself from identity fraud, visit the CIFAS and Action Fraud websites, which both offer plenty of useful resources and guidance.
Another excellent resource is Stop ID Fraud, which is dedicated to identity fraud and theft, while Take Five is a national anti-fraud campaign run by the trade association UK Finance.
If you’ve been a victim of identity fraud, Victim Support can offer assistance, information, and advice.
Finally, if you’re worried that your TorFX account may be at risk, contact us as soon as possible, and we’ll be happy to help. You can also download our app, or use our online platform, to keep an eye on your transfers.
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