Scots face growing risk from dating scams, with reported cases and financial loss increasing.
Last year, Scotland had a huge rise in dating scams; it was sixteen times higher than the prior year. Victims lost £1.7 million to these scams last year alone, a jump of over 6400% from the year before.
Tommy Flynn spoke about the fraud data, saying online connections are rising, and so are risks. He urges everyone to stay informed and safe, as scammers target emotions to gain trust and use lies to drain victims’ money.
People in Scotland are at higher risk of financial loss; they’re almost three times more likely than the UK average. Those aged 20-29 are particularly vulnerable. Police received 121 reports of romance fraud last year.
Forty-three reports came from people in the 20-29 age group. Netflix’s “Sweet Bobby” showed the damage scams cause. Kirat Assi’s case highlighted the need to protect victims; she was catfished for nine years by a cousin.
The cousin pretended to be someone named Bobby. Police didn’t investigate at first. After legal action, the cousin paid damages and gave Kirat a formal apology letter. Guard yourself from online scammers!
Verify who you’re talking to from the start, and watch for relationships moving too fast. Never send money or share financial details online. Check their photos using a reverse image search and be careful of sad stories they tell.
Tommy Flynn advises video calls early on to help confirm the person’s identity. Scammers often avoid showing their real faces. Be alert if someone declares love too fast, as scammers use emotions to get your trust.
Never send money to someone you have not met, no matter how convincing they sound; real connections don’t demand money. Use Google Reverse Image Search on profile pictures, as stolen pictures often mean fake profiles.
Scammers make up emergencies to get money. They may say they need medical bills paid or are stranded in another country. Always check these stories before sending money. Report suspicious activity to Action Fraud.
Do not feel ashamed if scammed. Contact your bank immediately for help, then report to Action Fraud or Police Scotland. You are not alone if this happens to you.
