Gardai are advising people to beware of romance scams in the lead up to Valentine’s Day.
And if you’re just starting to look for the perfect date online, it might be best to give that air a wee sniff to make sure it’s all legit. Gardai are saying the extent of romance scams is not fully known because many of the victims are too embarrassed to report the fraud.
Detective Inspector Catharina Gunne from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau has warned romance fraudsters may try to get their victims to send them money using various excuses. She said: “In the beginning, the amount of money requested will often be small but increases as the scammer becomes more successful in building the ‘relationship’ and tricking the victim.”
Read more: How to have a blast on Valentine’s Day if you’re single in Dublin
The criminals might use some of the following excuses:
• to cover the cost of travelling to see the victim
• for emergency medical expenses for the scammer or a family member — typically a child
• a business opportunity which would allow them to live together comfortably
So, how do you know if you’re a victim of a romance scam? According to gardai, romance fraudsters will try to move communications away from dating websites by suggesting that you move to instant messaging, text or phone calls instead.
They will ask a lot of personal questions, while avoiding answering personal questions about themselves. The details that they do tell you might not check out. For example, they may say that they’re university educated, but their spelling and grammar is poor.
The scammers will try to establish a bond quickly. For example, they may give you an endearing pet name such as baby or darling. Soon, they’ll ask for financial help. They may tell you about money problems in the hope that you’ll offer to help.
Scammers will never meet you in person. They will make up obstacles and may go as far as making arrangements and cancelling them at the last minute. They may promise to want to see you but offer excuses which delay this, such as financial troubles.
“One Irish woman was showered with expensive gifts, including scarves and perfumes, before she was asked to invest in her suitor’s business,” gardai shared on their official website.
“Over a 13 month period, the woman gave the romance fraudster €48,000. The woman initially delayed reporting the fraud to Gardaí as she was married.”
Recently, a romance fraudster in the west of Ireland was found guilty of taking nearly €19,000 from a victim. The scammer obtained money through deception over a five month period after meeting the victim through a dating website.
To avoid getting scammed, gardai recommend using trusted dating websites, not sharing personal details. Do not send or receive money, think twice before using your webcam, and trust your instincts.
An Garda Siochana works closely with Europol to thwart romance scammers, particularly organised crime gangs that engage in this type of criminality, and dating websites are often monitored for criminality.
If you believe that you are a victim of a romance scam, or think your identity or personal information has been compromised, contact any Garda Station and report the crime. All reports will be treated in confidence, gardai assure.
Read next:
Valentine's Day in Dublin: Ten quirky alternative date ideas in the city
Valentine's Day in Dublin: Ten local businesses you can get perfect gifts from
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