Romance Scams: Don't Let Love Blind You

Love can be a powerful force, but it can also make us vulnerable to deception. Romance scams, where fraudsters manipulate victims' emotions to steal their money, are becoming increasingly common.  These scams often involve elaborate stories and promises of love and companionship, but the ultimate goal is financial gain. 

A North East resident recently lost £65,000 over a 2 year period to a fake online Facebook profile of a media star.

How Romance Scams Work

Scammers often create fake profiles on social media platforms like Facebook, posing as attractive and often famous individuals. They may use stolen photos of real people or even AI-generated images to create a convincing persona. Once they've established contact, they'll quickly move the conversation off the platform to avoid detection.

The scammer will then begin to build a relationship with the victim, showering them with affection and attention. They may share intimate details about their lives, express deep feelings, and even propose marriage. As the relationship deepens, the scammer will start to ask for financial assistance, citing various reasons such as medical emergencies, business opportunities, or travel expenses.

Warning Signs of a Romance Scam

Protecting Yourself from Romance Scams

Remember, love should never come at a cost. If you encounter someone who seems too good to be true, consider it could be a scam. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from emotional and financial harm.

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Police Scotland's North East Division covers rural and urban areas in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City.  The division has five territorial command areas which have their own dedicated Area Commander, who is responsible for the daily policing function.  Each command area is served by a number of community policing teams whose activities are built around the needs of the local community.  These teams respond to local calls and look for long term solutions to key issues.  They are assisted by the division's Crime Reduction Unit who deliver against Force and local priorities in a number of areas, including physical and social crime prevention, supporting and enhancing community engagement and creating and sustaining strong and effective partnership working.