Two in five people who are looking for love online are asked to send cash as experts warn criminals are posing as potential dates
- Two in five using online dating sites have been asked to send cash to stranger
- Average request was for £345, but 6 per cent were asked for more than £1,000
- Most common reasons were paying for an emergency and covering travel costs
- UK Finance says scammers increasingly posing as online dates to commit crime
Online daters are being warned about the threat of romantic scams after a survey found that nearly two in five have been asked for cash from someone they have not even met.
A survey found that 38 per cent who had used dating sites or apps in the past year were faced with the plea from strangers – and more than half of them handed over money.
The average request was for £345, but 6 per cent were asked for more than £1,000.
The most common reasons given for the requests were paying for an emergency, covering travel costs and making an investment.
The findings of the poll of 2,300 people were released ahead of Valentine’s Day on Monday as a warning to those looking for love not to be seduced by scammers.
The Online Dating Association and banking industry body UK Finance say criminals are increasingly posing as online dates.
Katy Worobec, of UK Finance’s anti-fraud campaign, said: ‘Don’t let it be money at first sight this Valentine’s Day.
A survey has found that 38 per cent who had used dating sites or apps in the past year have been asked for cash from someone they have not even met (stock picture)
‘If you’re ever asked for cash from someone you’ve never met in person then alarm bells should start ringing. It could be a scam.’
Experts say fraudsters often start off by making contact on dating sites, social media or gaming platforms before asking their targets to move the conversation to a different messaging service so they can’t be so easily monitored or reported.
In the first half of last year more than £15million was lost to romance scams, according to UK Finance.
Dr Hannah Shimko, communications and policy director at the Online Dating Association, said: ‘Online daters should be aware of the actions fraudsters will use to manipulate them into parting with their money.
‘This Valentine’s Day, take the time to think about the person behind the profile, get to know your date and don’t send money to someone you’ve only met online.’
Another survey by the group, which represents UK dating services, found 58 per cent of people would continue to message someone who was reluctant to meet in-person or on a video call after a few conversations.
It said this should be a red flag as it may indicate that the person is not who they claim to be.
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