Cutting crime and preventing high harm are two crucial areas in my Police and Crime plan for the next four years. While this approach involves Dorset Police becoming more visible and connected to the communities they serve, there is another scourge that is not visibly seen but affects thousands across the country from which Dorset is no exception: romance fraud. Nationally, 40% of all crimes are fraud related and 80% of victims do not report to the police.

In this newsletter I am passing over to an expert in this field, Damian Cranny, Fraud Protection Officer at Dorset Police, to explain what romance fraud entails, its impact on victims and the warning signs to be aware of:

Online dating has become the norm for many seeking companionship. But this digital landscape of love comes with its own set of dangers, chief among them being romance fraud. This insidious form of deception not only breaks hearts but can also lead to significant financial losses, making it essential we learn how to protect ourselves while searching for love online.

Romance fraud is a sophisticated form of emotional manipulation, where scammers create fake online profiles to lure unsuspecting victims into a false sense of intimacy. These fraudsters target men, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community across all age groups and ethnicities. It is crucial to understand that falling victim to such schemes does not make one gullible or stupid. In fact, romance fraud shares many similarities with domestic abuse in its psychological impact.

The science behind romance fraud is fascinating. When we encounter attractive individuals, our brain's reward circuitry lights up, releasing feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine. This biological response, which evolved to encourage mate-seeking behaviour, is precisely what scammers exploit. By using stolen photos of physically attractive people, they trigger these positive emotions, making it easier to manipulate their victims.

One common tactic used by fraudsters is ‘love bombing’. This involves showering the victim with excessive affection, compliments and attention early in the relationship. It is a subtle yet powerful technique that plays on our natural desire for connection and validation. Who doesn't want to feel special and adored?

As artificial intelligence (AI) advances, the landscape of romance fraud becomes even more treacherous. AI can now create deepfakes, replicate voices, and generate convincing fake profiles. This makes it increasingly difficult to distinguish between genuine connections and elaborate scams.

So, how can we protect ourselves in this digital minefield of love?

1.     Stay on the dating platform: Scammers often try to move conversations off-site where they can more easily access your personal information. Resist this urge until you have met in person.

 2.     Be wary of love bombing. If someone seems too good to be true, they probably are. Genuine relationships develop gradually.

 3.     Share with friends and family. Discuss your online dating experiences openly. A fresh perspective can help identify red flags you might miss.

 4.     Never send money or compromising photos. Legitimate romantic interests will not ask, especially early in a relationship.

 5.     Use reputable dating sites. Stick to well-known platforms with robust verification processes.

 6.     Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Don't ignore your gut feelings.

7.     Be cautious of long-distance relationships. Studies show that the average long-distance relationship lasts about 4.5 months. If someone is avoiding meeting in person, be suspicious.

If you do fall victim to romance fraud, remember that you are not alone. Report the incident to Action Fraud (www.actionfraud.police.uk) and your bank immediately. There are also support organisations like LoveSaid (www.lovesaid.org) that provide advice and emotional support.

While online dating can be a wonderful way to find connection, it's essential to remain vigilant. By understanding the tactics of romance fraudsters and taking steps to protect ourselves, we can navigate the digital dating world more safely.

Remember, true love does not ask for your bank details or avoid meeting in person. Stay safe, stay informed, and may your search for love be both rewarding and secure.

Thanks to Damian for that comprehensive oversight on such an important and relevant topic. With the fast-changing nature of technology, I know how difficult it can be for police to get ahead of scammers, especially when they operate remotely with sophisticated and persuasive methods. But let me be clear, we are determined to fight these fraudsters so Dorset residents feel safe when meeting others online.

I am aware of the trauma this crime has on victims. Falling in love is an experience we should enjoy without fear of being manipulated or used. Remember, this is not your fault. You should not feel guilty and embarrassed because these people are professional fraudsters. Intelligence gathering is crucial in building a bigger picture and tracking down the heinous individuals committing these crimes. So I urge victims to report incidences, even if some time has passed since it occurred.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner