Dating app scammers have swindled an astounding £30.9 million from Brits in just one year, according to UK Finance, which represents major high street banks. The distressing surge in cases has seen more than 3,000 individuals fall victim to these heartless scams, with an average loss of £9,500 per person. This staggering total represents a 41% increase from the previous year’s figures, which stood at £17.8 million.
These fraudulent schemes usually involve gangs utilizing fake photographs on dating sites to dupe unsuspecting victims. Once trust has been established, the scammers concoct heart-wrenching tales to evoke sympathy and demand monetary transfers, even before any in-person meetings have taken place. Shockingly, an ex-police officer reportedly lost a staggering £107,000 in one such case.
Wayne May, the founder of Scam Survivors, a campaign group working tirelessly to combat such crimes, is calling for an end to the shame felt by victims. May emphasizes that the use of dating sites has become more widespread in recent years and urges society to shed the stigmatizing perception of individuals falling victim to these scams. He believes that the perfect storm for scammers was created during the pandemic when people spent more time alone and sought connections online.
Additionally, May argues that dating sites must display more prominent warnings to alert users about the risks of such scams. The report by UK Finance reveals that web fraud as a whole has reached a record-breaking £783 million. Fraudsters employ various tactics, including sending fake texts about parcels, tax refunds, and even COVID-19 tests and cures, all in an attempt to deceive individuals into providing their personal and bank details.
While banks claim to refund approximately 40% of the money lost, they also intercept numerous scam attempts themselves. However, the onus is on all parties involved to remain vigilant and cautious when engaging in online interactions.
In conclusion, the alarming surge in dating app scams in the UK has resulted in an unprecedented loss of £30.9 million in just one year. The public must be informed and educated about these tactics to protect themselves from falling victim to such heartless schemes. Dating sites have a responsibility to prioritize user safety by prominently displaying warnings about the risks involved. It is crucial for society to drop the stigma associated with being scammed and instead focus on supporting the victims while collectively working towards a secure digital landscape.
