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Legal News

Fraudsters Target Singles Online (3 October 2011)

Date: 03/10/2011
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Fraudsters Target Singles Online

Online dating websites have become a magnet for fraudsters, a survey has revealed. Researchers have found that around 200,000 people may have been conned into giving money to fraudsters who have used false identities to enter into relationships with them. Fewer than 600 of the 200,000 cases were reported to police. The researchers say that the victims of online dating website fraudsters suffered from a “double hit” in terms of the money that they lose and the dashed hopes of a romantic relationship. In some cases, victims have felt so ashamed by their failure to recognise fraudsters that they have committed suicide.

The research, conducted by Leicester University, is the first to measure the scale of online dating fraud. The fraudsters, typically associated with organised crime and non-UK-based, were found to use photographs of soldiers or models when creating their online dating profiles. The survey revealed that the fraudsters were quick to move away from monitored sites to private email accounts. They would then claim to be lacking funds and promise their victim that, should they part with their own funds, they would receive their money back.

Professor Monica Whitty, who authored the study, described the data as confirming law enforcement suspicions that online fraud is an under-reported crime. Professor Whitty believes online fraud to be a serious concern - not only due to the considerable sums of money lost but also due to the psychological impact of being victim to a crime of this kind.

Duncan Lewis’ criminal solicitors are able to advise clients of their rights. The department urges victims of fraud to waste no time in contacting a legal advisor.

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