An Garda Síochána wish to warn members of the public to be aware of ‘Romance’ fraud as we approach St Valentine’s Day. In 2019, 75 cases of Romance Fraud were reported to Gardaí. The victims were both male and female. The total losses suffered were in excess of €1,000,000.
This particular fraud is enabled via online dating sites or other social media by fraudsters who will provide the victims with well-prepared stories designed to deceive. The victims develop online relationships with the fraudsters, who use fake identities, photographs and life stories. Inevitably, the fraudster will ask their victim for money. The fraudster will continue to ask for money until the victim has no more money to give or realise they are being conned. This crime often leaves vulnerable people with a feeling of hurt and mistrust in addition to their financial loss.
