Reports of dating scams in Scotland skyrocket, showing a huge rise in crimes and financial losses, especially among young adults.
Romance fraud involves tricking people. Scammers gain trust, then ask for money. They pretend to be in real relationships. Last year, Scotland’s scams rose dramatically.
The increase is sixteen times higher than before! New data showed this massive spike. People lost a total of £1.7 million last year. That’s a 6463% increase in financial losses.
One expert looked at the fraud data. He said online risks grow with connections. Being informed and alert is now vital. Scammers exploit emotions to steal money. Protect yourself by staying vigilant.
Scots are almost three times more likely to lose money compared to the average in the UK. Young adults, ages 20 to 29, are at greatest risk.
Police received 121 reports about romance fraud last year. That is 114 more reports than in 2023. Of those, 43 reports came from young adults.
A recent Netflix show covers catfishing dangers. It highlights the need for victim protection. One case involved a woman named Kirat Assi. She was catfished for years.
Kirat thought she was dating a man named Bobby. It was actually her cousin playing a trick. This took place over nine long years. The police first refused to investigate.
After legal action, her cousin apologized. She also paid damages and legal costs. Now, let’s talk about avoiding these online fakes.
Verify the person’s identity early on. Watch out for relationships that move too fast. Never send money or share bank info. Do a reverse image search on their photos.
Beware of sad stories. Scammers often dodge face-to-face calls. Always suggest a video chat to confirm identity. They might quickly declare intense feelings.
If they push for commitment without meeting, be wary. This likely indicates a scammer. They are trying to manipulate your emotions. A real bond needs no such tricks.
Never send money, even with a convincing story. Genuine connections don’t require payments. Use Google Reverse Image Search, it really helps! Check if their photos are used elsewhere.
Scammers invent emergencies for pressure. Always double-check their story yourself first. You can report concerns to Action Fraud.
If scammed, don’t be ashamed. Contact your bank quickly. Then, report it to Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, alert Police Scotland directly. Call them at 101.