Scots are being warned to be on the lookout for signs of romance and companionship fraud in the run-up to Valentine’s Day.
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national consumer advice service consumeradvice.scot, has launched a new campaign in order to gain insight into tactics used by scammers to exploit situations of loneliness or isolation of their targets.
The Romance and Companionship Scams campaign (ROMCOM) will look at bank transfer fraud, ‘love bombing’, blackmail, and other manipulation techniques that people closer to the scams may misunderstand or misinterpret as displays of affection. It will also focus on non-romantic scams perpetrated by family members and fraudsters posing as them through apps like WhatsApp.
Advice Direct Scotland said romance and companionship scams, rely on psychological “buy-in” and play on the emotions of the person being tricked.
The charity warned people to avoid revealing too many personal details early into a conversation online and stressed that they should never give out their bank details.
It also issued advice on identifying potential scams, including simple ways to verifying a person’s profile picture via video chat, and being aware of ‘love bombing’ techniques where clichés and over-the-top flattery are used to gain another person’s trust to extort money.
Other scammers will seek to manipulate people through emotional means, and some may resort to the use of blackmail through pictures or videos they have obtained to extort money.
Advice Direct Scotland said many of those being conned are less likely to approach friends, family members, police or enforcement agencies when they realise they have been scammed, normally due to a misplaced sense of fear or embarrassment.
The targets of these crimes tend to be those that the scammers view more vulnerable, for example, the elderly, disabled and those recently divorced or bereaved.
Scottish Government Public Finance Minister Tom Arthur said anyone who becomes aware of suspicious activity should report it to police to help stop the perpetrator and potentially protect others.
Advice Direct Scotland’s top tips to help identify romance scammers
Less is more
Avoid revealing too many personal details too early into the conversation and never share your bank details. If someone asks for money from you, this should ring warning bells. Many of these scammers depend on their target supplying enough information for them to be able to help themselves.
Check profile pictures and verify.
If someone is unwilling to have a conversation on the telephone, by FaceTime, Skype or video call, chances are they aren’t who they say they are. Many dating sites ‘verify’ user profiles to provide added peace of mind.
Check in on relatives
If someone seems withdrawn and secretive, especially in relation to money and their latest love interest, make sure they are OK. Let them know you are there for them if they need you.
Be aware of ‘love bombing’
Many scammers shower affection very early and use this as a tool to extort money and gain trust. Be wary of sweeping statements and clichés.
Always remember
Sometimes the old ones are the most helpful, but if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Colin Mathieson, spokesperson for Advice Direct Scotland, said: “The Advice Direct Scotland Romance and Companionship Scams campaign will look at the tactics employed by scammers who exploit situations of isolation and loneliness of their targets for personal gain.
“This is not only from a romantic perspective, but will also look at other methods employed, including scams perpetrated by family members, and fraudsters posing as them, for example through WhatsApp scams.
He continued: “If you believe you have been the target of a romance scam, you should contact your bank in the first instance if financial details have been shared, or money has been transferred - you should also contact the police to report the situation.”
For more advice on scams or if you need to report a scam you have identified, you can contact consumeradvice.scot on 0808 164 6000.
STOP. THINK. CALL. is a campaign launched by WhatsApp and the National Trading Standards’ Friends Against Scams campaign, with support from Citizens Advice. It launched in November 2021 with the aim of helping people understand the simple steps they can take to keep their WhatsApp accounts secure and stay safe from scams.
Kathryn Harnett, Policy Manager at WhatsApp explained: “We advise people never to share their six-digit PIN code with others, not even friends or family, and recommend that all users set up two-step verification for added security.”
Kathryn added: “If you receive a suspicious message - even if you think you know who it’s from - calling or requesting a voice note is the fastest and simplest way to check someone is who they say they are.”
STOP. THINK. CALL. before they respond to a suspicious or unusual message
- STOP: Take five before you respond. Make sure your WhatsApp two-step verification is switched on to protect your account; that you're happy with your privacy settings, and your six-digit pin is secure.
- THINK: Does this request make sense? Are they asking you to share a PIN code which they have had sent to you? Are they asking for money? Are they rushing you into taking action? Remember that scammers prey on people’s kindness, trust and willingness to help.
- CALL: Verify that it really is your friend or family member by calling them directly, or asking them to share a voice note. Only when you’re 100% sure the request is from someone you know and trust, should you consider it. If it turns out to be untrue, report it to Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000.
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