How to identify the red flags of romance fraud

Resident,

As that Valentine’s Day glow fades, the chocolates are eaten and the flowers begin to wilt, we’re urging people to stay alert to romance fraud - a crime we sadly see all year round.

Often victims of romance fraud look back on certain actions and realise that what felt romantic in the moment, is a red flag in hindsight:

❤️ 1. Pressure for money or gifts - Looking back… did they ask for money, transfers, digital gift cards, or help with a sudden crisis?

❤️ 2. Avoiding meeting in person - Did they have a last‑minute reason they couldn’t video chat, meet up, or show their face?

❤️ 3. Overly intense affection early on - Did they call you their soulmate or talk about forever - even if you’d only just met?

❤️ 4. Stories that shifted or didn’t add up - When you think about it now, did their job, travel plans, or family dramas seem inconsistent?

❤️ 5. Requests for secrecy - Did they warn you not to tell friends or family about them - ‘just for now’?

❤️ 6. A perfect profile, but something felt ‘off’- Did their photos look too professional, too edited, or too good to be true?

The time after Valentines can be a perfect moment to consider whether your relationship has the above warning signs and look at things clearly.

Find out more about the signs, and what to do if you’re worried about your relationship or someone else’s by visiting our website.

Stop! Think Fraud.

Stop! Think Fraud. is the national campaign to raise awareness and prevent cyber crime and fraud.

By staying vigilant and always taking a moment to stop, think and check whenever we’re approached, we can help to protect ourselves and each other from fraud.

Find out more on the Stop! Think Fraud. website: Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams.