Tameside Police are warning of the dangers of romance fraud.
Romance fraud - or catfishing - occurs when a scammer creates a fake online profile to build a romantic relationship with a victim.
Once trust is established, they will ask for money for reasons like medical emergencies, travel expenses or business opportunities.
Anyone can fall victim to romance scams. Be open and talk to loved ones about it:
• Speak openly: Encourage open conversations about online relationships and potential risks.
• Set boundaries: Help them establish healthy boundaries in online interactions.
• Educate yourself: Stay informed about the latest scams and share information with your loved ones.
• Use reputable dating sites: Encourage them to use reputable dating platforms with strong security measures.
• Say no: If you feel pressured into moving to different messaging services.