The Jersey Fraud Prevention Forum (The Forum) are raising awareness about romance fraud after Islanders lose £395,370 in the last four years.
Forum Chairman, Chief Inspector Chris Beechey is asking Islanders to recognise the signs of fraud and to continue to report scams to the Police and the relevant members of the Forum: “This year we aim to raise awareness on Romance Fraud and want to help Jersey residents recognise the signs to prevent falling victim and financial loss.
These fraudsters often emotionally manipulate their victims for financial gain, which is easily facilitated through the anonymity that can come with online dating apps and social media. We ask Islanders to think twice when they receive messages online and we continue to encourage Islanders to challenge any communications they suspect may not be legitimate and to report them.”
The Forum’s romance fraud awareness efforts follow a website redesign with updated fraud resources for Islanders. Educational and scam awareness posts are routinely shared through The Forum’s Facebook page.
Forum members will be present at the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society (RJA&HS) event on 1 and 2 October to speak to and share resources with members of the public.
The Forum’s message to Islanders is to remain vigilant and alert to the signs of romance fraud, both in their personal lives and involving friends and family around them. Islanders should contact their banks and the Police on 612 612 if they have experienced financial loss.
