Clare Gardaí have issued a public warning as an incident of romance fraud is being investigated in this county.
In this instance, the injured party was convinced by the suspect which they had met on a dating website that a substantial gift had been sent to to them.
The victim was then asked to pay the custom fees for the gift to a company via WhatsApp.
Clare Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Catríona Holohan says there’s a number of red flags to watch out for
Romance Fraudsters will:
• Try to move communications away from dating websites. They suggest that you move to instant messaging, text or phone calls instead.
• Ask a lot of personal questions.
• Avoid answering personal questions about themselves. The details that they do tell you seem made up or do not reflect reality. For instance, they may say that they are university educated, but their spelling and grammar is poor.
• Try to establish a bond quickly. For example, they may give you an endearing pet name e.g. baby, darling, etc.
• Ask for financial help. They may tell you about money problems in the hope that you will offer to help.
• Never meet you in person. They will present obstacles and may go as far as making arrangements and cancelling them at the last minute.
They may promise to want to see you but offer excuses, which delay this, such as financial troubles.
What can you do?
1. Use trusted dating websites.
2. Do not share personal details.
3. Do not send or receive money.
4. Think twice before using your webcam.
5. Trust your instincts. Are you a victim? If you believe that, you are a victim of a romance fraud, or think your identity or personal information has been compromised, contact any Garda Station and report the crime.
Please be assured that An Garda Síochána will treat all reports in confidence.
