Over the past month, officers have received multiple reports from victims who have been targeted by scammers posing as potential romantic partners, with these scams being conducted primarily through online dating platforms, social media, and other messaging apps.

Sadly victims are being manipulated over weeks or months into believing they are in a genuine relationship with a stranger they have met online. However, once the scammer believes they have tricked their victim into thinking the relationship is legitimate, they then fabricate an urgent situation—such as a medical emergency for themselves or their family, travel expenses, or another personal crisis—and will then request money, to which their victim will send.

In many cases, the victims involved are left emotionally distressed and financially devastated, as not only have many lost their life-savings, but there is also the stark realisation that the relationship they thought they had is not real, which is truly heart-breaking.

As a service, we warn the public of the dangers of romance scams frequently and that these crimes can happen at any time on many dating apps used to meet others, so it’s important to think before sending money.

Warning Signs of a Romance Scam:

- The person avoids meeting in person or making video calls
- They claim to be overseas or in a remote location
- They quickly express strong emotions or love for you
- They ask for money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
- They provide excuses or evasive answers to direct questions you may ask


While it’s tempting to ignore doubts and see what we want to see, being the promise of a new relationship, the following steps can help protect you against romance scammers, if you’re actively pursuing online dating:

Always keep communication on the dating website or app you’re using. Many have in-built security and assistance. They also take steps to remove and ban fake accounts so you’re kept safe

Conduct your own research on the person you’re speaking to, checking their social media presence to see if it matches what’s on the dating site. Looking at key details such as name, location and family members can help identify inconsistencies

Profile pictures can be deceiving and be taken from anywhere on the internet. You can use various websites to check photos using a reverse image search to prove if the photo is legitimate

Never EVER send money to someone you haven’t met in person. If you’re looking for friendship, companionship or love online it should never start with being asked for money even to invest, and if it does, it’s not a relationship worth having. Always remember to stay on site, using reputable dating platforms. Be alert and keep yourself safe.

If you have been a victim of a scam, report it to police on 101, to your bank immediately, and online at www.actionfraud.police.uk  or call 0300 123 2040. Information and advice is also available at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni  or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni.