It is thought that in this case the fraudster used one of the common methods to entice a victim, which can include creating a fake online profile, or by engaging freely on social media platforms using mostly fictional details.
To gain a victim’s trust they will go to extreme lengths, while also using this ‘grooming period’ to assess the victim’s financial situation.
Despite releasing few details on the specific incident they are investigating, Guernsey Police have said that once the fraudster ascertains that the victim is a good financial prospect they will ‘elaborate further with emotive stories of hardship’, which can include but are not limited to; being trapped in a foreign country with no means to buy a ticket home, large medical bills and/or a close relative is in need of urgent medical care.
In most cases the fraudster will then ask for financial assistance, promising to repay the amount, and on other occasions fraudsters have asked their victim to transfer money into other person’s accounts.
Pictured: Guernsey Police haven’t revealed the gender or age of the victim in the romance fraud currently being investigated, to protect their identity.
Guernsey Police acknowledge it can be difficult to come forward if you are a victim of such a crime, saying; “the victim becomes embroiled in an emotional connection with the fraudster and almost always struggles to believe that they are subject of a fraud.”
The advice is, if you suspect you or a loved one might be subject to a romance scammer you can take a number of steps as protection, including:
- A reverse image search – ‘a very simple and effective way to check the legitimacy of any images sent to you by a potential scammer’. Google provides a tool for doing this here – Simply follow the link, click on the camera icon and upload the image.
- Avoid handing out personal information, email, phone numbers and especially personal bank details. Scammers can use this information to steal your identity.
- DO NOT send or receive money from someone you have only met online.
- Keep family/friends informed. They may be able to spot something suspicious and can help provide emotional support in difficult situations.
The Action Fraud website provides further information on romance fraud as well as various other forms of scam. It also offers a step by step guide on how to report an incident and gives you the option of passing your details onto Victim Support, who offer free practical and emotional support.
Alternatively, if you believe you are the victim of fraud, you can contact Guernsey Police on 725111.