Staying Safe from Romance Fraud

An excellent new e-book has been launched by Thames Valley Police Economic Crime Unit in collaboration with Dr Elisabeth Carter, Forensic Linguist and Senior Lecturer in Criminology, University of Roehampton.

“Staying Safe from ROMANCE FRAUD – A practical guide highlighting common tactics used in romance fraud. Safeguarding through knowledge and empowerment” takes readers through a series of scenarios, highlighting the tricks and strategies of fraudsters.

It explores links with coercive control and grooming, and the means that fraudsters use to isolate their victims from those who could potentially support them. This is frequently a problem for friends and family who struggle to intervene and enable the victim to see the situation for what it really is.

It explores the psychological impacts on victims, including the needless shame and embarrassment, and highlighting its link to grooming, domestic abuse and coercive control.

Below we replicate the ‘top tips’ from the publication, but the full 12-page e-book is a comprehensive guide to help build awareness and resilience.