Police holding event in Oldham to help you spot the telltale signs of romance fraud

Staff and volunteers from GMP’s Economic Crime Unit will be hosting a pop-up awareness event in Oldham and across the region this week focusing on romance fraud.

Since January, there have been 148 reports of romance fraud in Greater Manchester with victims reporting losing just over £1m. 

In 2024, the force received 267 reports with a reported loss of £2.67m, while nationally last year, over £106m was lost to romance fraudsters. 

Among the reports this year was a woman who 'met' a fraudster on social media purporting to be a well-known Emmerdale actor. 

Following the initial interaction, contact moved to telephone calls and the victim transferred more than £20,000. 

In another case, a female victim transferred several thousand pounds to someone pretending, again, to be a celebrity. 

Both victims are being supported by specialist officers from GMP’s Cyber and Economic Crime Awareness Service (CECAS) team. 

Detective Inspector Stacey Shannon, from the Cyber and Economic Crime Awareness Service, said: “The impact of romance fraud is profound, affecting victims emotionally and financially.  

“Our team is here to support victims through the devastating emotional trauma effects that it can have on our community. 

“There are some fantastic support groups available to victims independently of the police, such as LoveSaid. 

“If you have been a victim of romance fraud where you have lost money, we urge you to report this to Action Fraud and your bank. You will be heard, and you will be believed. 

“Our team will be supporting the national Romance Fraud campaign and will be holding a number of events within your communities. 

“These events are free and our team will be on hand to provide you with information on staying safe online and protecting yourself from fraud.” 

The following events are being held this week: 

• Wednesday, October 1: Merseyway Shopping Centre, Stockport (10am-1pm) 

• Thursday, October 2: Virgin, Market Place, Oldham (10am-1pm); Halifax, Yorkshire Street, Rochdale (10am-1pm); Yorkshire BS, Merseyway, Stockport (10am-1pm) 

• Friday, October 3: Alkrington Library, Middleton (10am-1pm) 

GMP is offering the following tips to protect yourself from romance fraud 

Never send money: If you’re in a relationship with someone you’ve only met online, any requests for money should ring an alarm bell. However sad or urgent their story is, never send money (that includes vouchers, cryptocurrency or money for investments). Report anyone who asks for money to the dating service immediately. 

Get to know the person, not the profile: Treat people as you would if meeting in person, by asking questions and taking your time. Check the person online using Google image search or TinEye to see if their profile pictures can be found elsewhere online. Be cautious about how much information you share, and keep your social media accounts private and secure. 

Talk to friends and family: Sometimes a second opinion can really help if you are uncertain about something, such as being asked for money by someone you’re in an online relationship with. Be wary if you meet someone online who asks you not to tell anyone about them. 

Romance Fraud Awareness Week runs until October 5 and there is more help about how to protect yourself on the Action Fraud website at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/romance-fraud