Online dating scams soar during the pandemic

“Catfishing” accounts have exploited lockdown loneliness

LOVE-LORN romantics trapped at home during the pandemic have proven easy prey to online dating scammers. During 2020, when lockdowns made dating in the real world virtually impossible, “romance scams” soared.

This is a type of fraud where the victim is persuaded to make a payment to another person who they believe they are in a relationship with.

Usually, and particularly during lockdown, the victim meets the scammer online, through social media or dating sites.

Figures from Action Fraud show that the centre received 6,758 reports of romance fraud during 2020, which is 15% more than the 5,730 reports received the previous year.

In total, scammers tricked their victims out of a reported £68.2 million last year, which is 8% higher than the £63.4m taken in 2019.

So far this year (between January 1 and May 31), Action Fraud has received 3,803 reports of romance fraud and victims have reported losing £41.2m.

But the true figures may be much higher, as many victims of romance fraud may be too embarrassed to tell the authorities.

In fact, separate figures from UK Finance show that only 2,984 cases of romance fraud were actually reported to banks.

That adds up to £21.2 million, far less than the amount lost that was reported to Action Fraud. However, it was still 17% more than the £18.1m reported as lost in 2019.

So far, £8.1m of what was reported lost last year has been reimbursed to victims, which is 41% of the total amount scammed in 2020.

However, that is more than triple the £2.4m that was returned in 2019.

Katy Worobec, managing director of Economic Crime at UK Finance, said: “With the rising use of online dating services during lockdown, criminals are using clever tactics to exploit people who think they’ve met their perfect partner online.

“Romance scams can leave customers out of love and out of pocket, but there are steps people can take to keep themselves or their family and friends safe - both on and offline.

“The banking and finance industry is working hard to protect customers from fraud, but everyone should remain vigilant to the risks of romance scams. If you suspect you’ve been the victim of a scam, please contact your bank as soon as possible.”

“Catfishing” - creating a fake profile to entice someone online - is not a crime. However, it is an offence if the catfish then requests money.

During lockdown fraudsters have attempted to take advantage of their lonely victims by setting up fake profiles on dating sites or on social media.

Pauline Smith, Head of Action Fraud, said: “Last year, we sadly saw criminals exploit the coronavirus pandemic as a means to commit fraud, and romance fraud was no exception.

“The national lockdowns, and other restrictions on our social lives, implemented because of the coronavirus outbreak, have meant more people have been seeking companionship online and this has undoubtedly affected the number of reports we have seen.

“It’s important to say that most online dating sites, social media sites and gaming apps are perfectly safe. However, any online platform that allows you to connect with and talk to other people could be targeted by romance fraudsters so it’s important to remain vigilant.

“If you think you’ve been a victim of romance fraud, please don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed – you are not alone. Anyone can fall victim to fraud, but it’s important that you contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud.”