Sussex Police have issued a warning after an increase in romance fraud.
As part of Sussex Police Operation Signature, which looks to protect vulnerable victims of fraud, the force is raising awareness of the crime.
Police Constable Bernadette Lawrie BEM, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer for Sussex Police and Surrey Police, said: “We have seen around a 5.5% increase in reports of romance fraud over the last year.
“And we have also seen a rise in cases recently where victims are deceived into believing they are in relationships with celebrities.
“The increasing availability and capabilities of technology, we’re seeing fraudsters utilise artificial intelligence (AI) and deep-fake tools to create more immersive and manipulative interactions and relationships with victims.”
Despite typically targeting victims online using dating sites and social media platforms, Sussex Police said there are several other types of romance fraud. This includes meeting in person and celebrity impersonation.
Sussex Police are warning people of the signs of romance fraud to look out for (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)
PC Lawrie warned that many of the signs may be similar, often wishing for the relationship to move quickly or using manipulative techniques.
“Romance fraudsters will often want the relationship to move quickly. We use the term ‘love-bombing’, the perpetrator will shower the victim with intense love and affection very early on to build up the relationship quickly.
“These ‘grooming periods’ of manipulation can last weeks or months as the fraudster’s goal is to gain the full trust of victims who believe they are in a real relationship,” PC Lawrie explained.
“Fraudsters often pretend to have high profile jobs to ‘explain’ why they can’t meet in-person with the victim and can create intricate, fictitious back-stories to convince the victim to believe them.
“Victims are also often encouraged by fraudsters to keep their relationship secret from friends and family and may even be manipulated into distancing themselves from their loved ones.
“The fewer people involved to potentially shine a light on the reality of the relationship, the easier it is for fraudsters to continue manipulating the victim.”
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She added that often fraudsters will fabricate financial hardship or invent temporary financial difficulties such as ‘frozen assets’ which prevent them from accessing large sums of money, with often a promise of repayment which never materialises.
The force highlighted that often the impact of romance fraud can be both financial and emotional, however victims should never blame themselves.
PC Lawrie added: “We want the public to know that anyone can be targeted, and there is no shame in coming forward.
“We’re also asking friends, families and communities to stay alert to the signs: sudden secrecy around online relationships, unusual financial requests, or changes in behaviour. If something doesn’t seem right, gently check in, and report it to us on 101.
“Reporting concerns to us early helps us protect victims, disrupt offenders and prevent further crimes. Your support could prevent someone you care about from suffering significant harm.”
PCC Katy Bourne
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “Reports of romance fraud continue to rise, and the tactics used by offenders are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
“We’re now seeing criminals exploit artificial intelligence to create convincing false identities, generate lifelike photos and videos and hold long, emotionally manipulative conversations that make their stories harder than ever to detect.
“This technology allows fraudsters to build trust at speed and scale, leaving victims – like those here in Sussex – emotionally devastated and facing significant financial loss. As these scams evolve, so must our response.
“That’s why the specialist fraud caseworkers I fund at Victim Support are more vital than ever, offering victims the time, expertise and compassionate support needed to help them navigate the aftermath of such deeply personal deception.
“We all need to be aware that if something feels too perfect or too seamless online, it may have been engineered to be that way. No one should feel ashamed for being targeted by criminals who increasingly rely on powerful AI tools to manipulate and exploit.
“By raising awareness and investing in specialist support, we can help protect more people from falling victim to these devastating crimes.”
Reports of romance fraud can be made to police on 101, with victim support also available via the Sussex Police website.
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