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Romance scammers steal hearts, then money 14.02.19

GARDAÍ are advising people to beware of romance scams.
Victims of the scam believe they have met their perfect match online but the other person is in fact a scammer using a fake profile to build the relationship. They slowly gain the victim’s trust with a view to eventually asking them for money.
One Irish woman was showered with expensive gifts, including scarves and perfumes, before she was asked to invest in her suitor’s business. Over a thirteen month period, the woman gave the romance fraudster €48,000. The woman initially delayed reporting the fraud to gardaí as she was married.
The extent of the scam is not fully known because many of the victims are too embarrassed to report the fraud to gardaí.
Detective Inspector Catharina Gunne warns: "Romance fraudsters may try to get their victims to send them money using the following excuses:
• to cover the cost of travelling to see the victim;
• for emergency medical expenses for the scammer or a family member - typically a child;
• a business opportunity which would allow them to live together comfortably.
In the beginning, the amount of money requested will often be small but increases as the scammer becomes more successful in building the ‘relationship’ and tricking the victim.”
Recently, a romance fraudster in the west of Ireland was found guilty of taking nearly €19,000 from a victim. The perpetrator obtained money through deception over a five month period after meeting the victim through a dating website.
If you believe that you are a victim of a romance scam or think your identity or personal information has been compromised, contact any garda station and report the crime. Please be assured that An Garda Síochána will treat all reports in confidence.
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