Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so many couples will be organising something special to celebrate their relationship.
Meanwhile, many singletons will be taking to apps and the internet in a bid to meet their special someone.
Around this romantic time of the year, romance fraud cases surge and in the worst case scenarios, people pay a hefty price for it.
According to gardai, many victims of romance scams believe they have met their perfect match online, but the other person is in fact a criminal using a fake profile to build the relationship.
They slowly gain the victim’s trust with a view to eventually asking them for money.
According to Gardai, one Irish woman was showered with expensive gifts, including scarves and perfumes, before she was asked to invest in her suitor’s business.
Over a 13-month period, the woman gave the romance fraudster €48,000 but she initially delayed reporting the fraud to Gardaí as she was married.
The extent of the scam is not fully known because many of the victims are too embarrassed to report the fraud to authorities.
Detective Inspector Catharina Gunne from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau warns: "Romance fraudsters may try to get their victims to send them money using 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
The USA is the top country in the world for these types of fraud, with more than $1 billion lost as a result of romance fraud in 2022.
According to American organisation, Social Catfish, here are top three signs you are being ‘Catfished’ and how to avoid it:
1 - They seem too good to be true
Scammers steal photos of very attractive and successful-looking people and create fake online accounts to lure you in.
If suddenly, a handsome billionaire or a gorgeous model falls into your lap, it should be approached with healthy skepticism. Fairy tales do happen, but why not do some simple vetting?
How to avoid: Perform a reverse image search to see if their picture matches their name. If the photo is used on many dating apps using different names, it is a scam.
2 - They fall in love having never met you
Regardless of how strong your online chat game is, it is unlikely someone will genuinely fall in love without spending time with you.
To find out for sure you must take the relationship to the next level by video chatting and meeting in person. Scammers come up with reasons why they cannot do either.
How to avoid: Stop communicating with anyone who will not meet or video chat in a reasonable amount of time.
3 - They ask for money, crypto or gift cards
The biggest red flag of all is when a person who you have never met starts asking for money. Frequent reasons include problems with the bank account, medical emergencies or they need the money so they can come visit you. Scammers like to be paid with gift cards or bitcoin as this is harder for authorities to trace.
How to Avoid: This one is simple and foolproof. Never give money to anyone you meet online.
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.
"Please be assured that An Garda Síochána will treat all reports in confidence."
READ MORE:
Ireland food prices soar by fastest rate on record as cost of living crisis escalates
Mr Flashy pal injured after being targeted by hit squad with 'military-grade' arms
Family of missing Amy Fitzpatrick 'completely broken' as they mark her 31st birthday
Mystery as huge statue of Our Lady goes missing from Wicklow grotto
Weather phenomenon hurtling towards Ireland as Jetstream disrupted and high pressure 'blocked'
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
