Dating fraudsters are trying out new tactics to scam cash from unwitting victims online.
The British official scambuster Action Fraud is warning that the new ploys are catching out singles on dating web sites all over the world.
Dating fraud is a sophisticated long-term relationship online with someone acting as a bogus friend.
Their aim is to gain your trust and then to exploit the friendship for money.
The first new con tactic is when a fraudster will let you know that they would love to meet, but unfortunately have no annual leave remaining.
Money box
Then, they indicate that their employer will let them buy extra leave days for around £250 each. Many victims are asked to buy up to 10 days leave – which adds up to £2,500.
If the victim falls for the scam, the fraudster will also ask them to pay for the flights as well.
The latest bid to exploit the greed of a potential victim is the fraudster telling their dating partner that they have a box full of money, jewellery or other valuables and have sent it on to them to financially underpin their future together.
Unfortunately, a customs fee has to be paid before the box can be delivered.
The victim is asked to pay the fee to the fraudster so they can settle the matter.
Warnings about bogus advisers
- DuPont Financial / DuPont FX / DP Global Services Ltd (clone)
Dealing with an unregulated firm
If you buy shares, save money or invest with an unregulated firm, you lose any protection offered by the Financial Ombudsman and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Broadly, you have no independent place to complain if the deal goes wrong and are unlikely to win any compensation.
Checking if a firm is regulated
Go to the Financial Services Register to check if a firm is regulated in the UK.
Reporting a suspected bogus adviser
Find out how to report unauthorised advisers on the FCA web site
