Warning Over Dating Website Scams

Police have issued an alert after receiving reports of scams operating via internet dating websites.

In the first incident, reported on 24 February, a woman from Kidderminster told police she had been exchanging emails for several months with someone she believed to be an American soldier. She sent him money when he said he would come to see her but then became suspicious when he asked for more money, claiming he had been involved in a plane crash.

In a separate incident, reported on 25 February, another woman from Kidderminster explained how she had been emailing someone claiming to be a soldier in Afghanistan. She had then sent him money when he asked her to pay to set up a satellite phone system which would allow them to talk to each other.

Both incidents have been confirmed as scams and are being investigated by police.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "We are keen to make people aware of these incidents, particularly anyone who uses internet dating websites, so that they will be more cautious themselves.

"So-called ‘romance scammers' will set out to form an on-line relationship over a period of weeks or months and then make a request for money when they feel they have established enough trust. They might then ask for cash or a money transfer to pay for a plane ticket, for medical bills or even to set up a telephone link near a military base in Iraq or Afghanistan as in this latest report.

"We would advise anyone using an online dating or chat service to use only reputable companies and to follow their recommended safety tips. Do not send money, however genuine the request may seem.

"Unfortunately the two women in Kidderminster have lost money as a result of these scams but we hope that by highlighting what has happened other people will not fall victim to these online fraudsters."

Issued:  Wednesday 3 March 2010