Online dating scams statistics

But online dating makes such fraud easier experts say these scams have increased in sophistication and frequency. So-called “romance fraud” – where unsuspecting victims are scammed by someone with whom they have formed a relationship – is nothing new. Now, she believes he was a character invented by a criminal gang to extort her. I felt sorry for him.”Īnna thought Andrew was her perfect man. He was so distressed by the unexpected charge.

“He told me he’d had a work crisis and needed help with port charges for a delivery. About five weeks after they first made contact, Andrew asked to borrow money just a small amount. They continued to speak on the phone and also, occasionally, on video chat. They made plans to meet up, but Andrew told her he had to go to France for an urgent business trip.