Have you lost money due to a romance scam?

Were you influenced to send money to someone you met online?

Romance scams can be emotionally and financially devastating, leaving victims grappling with betrayal and shattered trust. At Watson Woodhouse, we understand the intricate and sensitive nature of these cases.

Free Initial Discussion

For a no-obligation discussion, call our specialist fraud solicitors today on 01642 247656 or use our contact form and we will call you back.

What is a romance scam?

A romance scam is when individuals, often operating under a false identity, build romantic relationships with the intention of exploiting their victims for financial gain. These scams can occur through various channels, including online dating platforms and social media. Once they have created a strong connection, the scammers typically fabricate elaborate stories to gain money from their victims.

What are the most common types of romance scams?

Romance scams can take various forms which include a reason they cannot meet. Some common reasons include:

• Military Scams: Scammers pose as military personnel stationed abroad creating a sense of urgency for financial assistance.
• Long-Distance Relationships: Scammers build an online relationship, claiming to live abroad and eventually requesting financial help for a visit.
• Offshore/Oil Rig Scams: Scammers may claim to work offshore or on an oil rig, they might express they feel isolated and lonely, creating a sense of urgency for the victim to provide emotional and financial support.
• International Businessman or Woman: Scammers pose as businessmen or women trading internationally, the scammer may present investment opportunities.
• Nurse/Doctor for an Overseas Charity: Scammers may claim to work as a nurse or doctor for an overseas charity, they may describe challenging situations that require financial assistance.

Scammers may also use other stories to gain sympathy and financial support, such as:

• Medical Emergencies: The scammer may fabricate a medical emergency, claiming they need funds urgently for surgery, medical treatment, or to help a sick relative.
• Financial Troubles: The scammer might fabricate financial difficulties, such as being in debt or facing a crisis in their business and seek financial assistance from the victim.

It’s crucial for individuals to approach online relationships with caution, especially when financial matters are involved.

What are the common signs of a romance scam?

Recognising the common signs of a romance scam is crucial to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.  Some key indicators of a potential romance scam include:

1. Too good to be true: Scammers often create flawless profiles with attractive photos and elaborate life stories to make themselves seem perfect. They may also express love unusually early in the relationship to create a stronger connection and create a sense of urgency.
2. Refusing to meet: Scammers may avoid meeting face to face and provide various excuses. They may also avoid any form of communication, like video calls, that could reveal their true identity.
3. Requesting money: One of the key indicators is asking for money, often under the circumstances of an emergency or financial hardship.
4. Inconsistency in information: Scammers may slip up and have discrepancies in the information they provide, such as changes in details about their lives.
5. Pressure to act quickly: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressuring victims to send money or make decisions without giving them time to think.

It is important to trust your instincts, if you believe you have been a victim of a romance scam Watson Woodhouse may be able to recover your lost funds. Call our specialist fraud solicitors today on 01642 247656 or use our contact form and we will call you back.

What should I do if I have been a victim of a romance scam?

If you have been a victim of a romance scam and lost money, there are numerous ways to try and recover your assets:

1. Instructing a solicitor on your behalf – A solicitor can represent your interests and explore legal options for recovering lost funds.
2. Reporting the matter to the police – File a report with your local police station detailing the scam.
3. Reporting the matter to ActionFraud – ActionFraud specialises in handling fraud cases and may offer support and resources.
4. Contact your bank – banks often have fraud investigation teams that can examine the transactions and attempt to recover funds from the recipient’s bank.

Do I have to pay for legal representation?

At the end of the case, we will usually make an application for the fraudster to pay the costs of the prosecution. If for whatever reason that is not possible then it is usually possible to make an application for your costs to be paid from the central fund. You will be represented by an experienced fraud prosecution lawyer who will advise you along the way about your options and chance of success. The object of the exercise is to convict the fraudster, recover compensation and avoid throwing good money after bad.

Contact Us Today

Call us for a FREE and confidential consultation with a specialist solicitor today on 01642 247656. Alternatively, complete our online contact form and one of our solicitors will be in touch.

Watson Woodhouse Solicitors provides support to clients throughout England and Wales.