Kidnap threat linked to 'romance fraud'
12 January 2010
SOCA has warned of a sinister development in the murky world of ‘romance fraud’, after a British national was kidnapped.
The individual had no idea that the online friend they went to meet in West Africa was the fictional creation of a criminal group. The victim was assaulted, imprisoned for four days, and was released only when a ransom was paid.
This is the first time the kidnap of a British victim linked to a romance fraud has been reported, though there have been previous reports of Australian, Belgian and German nationals being kidnapped.
Romance fraudsters are organised criminals who target singles columns and dating websites, creating fake profiles and going to great lengths to establish trusting relationships with their victims. Then they pretend to be in urgent need of money and ask for help. Many victims have been persuaded to part with large sums before their suspicions are aroused.
In extreme cases, the victims travel abroad to meet their potential partner, only to be beaten, terrorised and held captive till they pay up.
SOCA fraud expert Colin Woodcock said:
“Criminals rely on people being embarrassed at being tricked to reduce the chance that they will report the crime. No-one should be embarrassed at being taken in. These frauds are often sophisticated and plausible.”
SOCA is urging anyone who is considering using dating sites or singles columns to follow a few key steps to protect themselves:
- Be suspicious of anyone that you haven’t met in person who asks you to send money abroad. Even sending a cheque for a small amount can provide fraudsters with your bank details and a genuine document which may be altered and used in another fraudulent way.
- Speak to them online via a webcam and ask yourself whether this is the same person you have been chatting to online or by e-mail. Check their answers are consistent with what’s been said before.
- Many victims of romance fraud are blind to the dangers they face, so if you know of anyone travelling abroad to meet someone they have met online, help them assess the risks.
- The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website is the best source of country specific travel advice and will explain how to exercise sensible personal security measures. Visit http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/sub-saharan-africa/
- Do report incidents of actual and attempted frauds, kidnaps and extortion to the police and FCO, and be assured that reports will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.
- Tell someone trustworthy where you are going and plan regular contacts. Agree what they should do if you miss a contact.
For more information on fraud and other internet scams visit our protecting yourself pages, our fraud threats page or go to www.getsafeonline.org.