Internet Dating Scam Warning

Northern Constabulary are advising members of the public to be aware of a recent trend of frauds happening through internet dating websites.

There have been recent reports in the UK, including one in the Force area, following similar trends whereby victims are befriended and then part with sums of money through their bank accounts.

“Avoid becoming victims”

This usually follows from a conversation forming and a relationship being established.

The victim is then given false information regarding the perpetrator’s ability to access funds from their own bank account, using a number of reasons.

The victim is then persuaded to act as an intermediary and ultimately divulge their personal bank details.

These perpetrators are advanced and have strong stories, which are often backed up with photographs and other evidence, but Police are asking that members of the public using dating websites take the following steps to avoid becoming victims themselves:

“Meet in public”

1.Know what you are paying for and what the dating agency promises to provide in return.

2.If you receive any requests for money, be suspicious, even if you have known the person for a number of weeks. Do not give out personal details,especially bank account details.

3.Be sceptical and ask yourself simple questions, for example, “Why am I the only person who can help, when I have just met them?”

4.If you arrange to meet somebody unknown to you, always meet in a public place and make sure someone knows where you are going or take a friend with you for support.

5.Police would encourage anyone who has been a victim of such a crime or has any information to contact Police in Inverness on 0845 600 5703 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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