Police operation across Surrey and Hampshire sees six arrested over romance fraud scam

14 victims were conned out of over £400,000

Author: Carol MusgravePublished 4th Dec 2020

Six men have been arrested after a large scale police operation across Surrey, Hampshire and London over romance fraud.

Surrey Police say the scams involved saw 14 victims conned out of over £400,000.

Officers arrested the six on Wednesday (2 December) on suspicion of fraud by false representation and money laundering.

Addresses in both counties and the capital were searched and evidence seized.

The men have been released under investigation.

Police describe romance fraud, or dating fraud, as when criminals use fake profiles online to form relationships, with the end goal being to get money or personal information.

Detective Inspector Anna Martin said it's "a particularly calculated and cruel crime which has a devastating impact on its victims.

"I hope this sends a message to anyone involved in this crime that we will work hard to investigate these reports and bring offenders to justice.

"Our priority is to identify and protect victims, which is why we have dedicated fraud victim caseworkers who work hard to support and care for victims of fraud.

“If you believe you have been a victim of romance fraud, we encourage you to report it to us straightaway. Often victims feel too embarrassed to talk about it, but we would urge you to talk to us so that we can investigate and give you the support you might need."

Here’s how to spot the signs of romance fraud and keep your money safe:

  • Be wary of giving out any personal information to someone you don't know. This could be your address, even if it seems to be for a harmless reason such as sending you a gift or flowers
  • Never agree to keep your online relationship a secret
  • It's a big red flag if someone keeps making excuses not to video chat or meet in person.
  • Get to know the person and not the profile
  • Never send money or share your bank details on the platform, even if you're told a story which pulls at your heartstrings and seems like a genuine emergency
  • Stay on the dating messenger service until confident the person is who they say they are
  • Run a search on the internet for their name or any picture they have sent along with the term ‘scam’

No matter how long you’ve been speaking to someone online and how much you trust them, if you haven’t met them in person do not:

  • Send them any money
  • Allow them access to your bank account
  • Transfer money on their behalf
  • Take a loan out for them
  • Provide copies of your personal documents such as passports or driving licenses
  • Invest your own money on their behalf or on their advice
  • Purchase and send the codes on gift cards from Amazon or iTunes
  • Agree to receive and/or send parcels on their behalf (laptops, mobile phones etc.)

To report a case of fraud, contact Surrey Police via their website or by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.