Good afternoon,

Romance Fraud/Dating Scams are particularly damaging - they steal all  your money AND break your heart.   

People form relationships online in various different  ways not just through dating sites.  If those people ask you for money, however heart-breaking the tale, please take care and Stop! Think Fraud.  Celebrities do not need your money.  Gift cards can't be used to pay for flights, or medical care etc.  Take real care if you are on online/social media romance fraud or bereavement support groups - many people are targeted in that way.   The charity LoveSaid was set up by survivors of Romance Fraud to provide support for you: LoveSaid - Home - Welcome  

Equally, please don't rely on a video call as “evidence” that someone is who they say they are - AI means you could be literally speaking to anyone.

To find out more please see: Romance fraud | Action Fraud

or https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/dating-fraud 

If you've been affected by a crime please contact Victim Care Hub for free, confidential support: Home - Hampshire Victim Care Hub (hampshireiowvictimcare.co.uk) or phone 0808 178 1641

If you would like to report a crime anonymously please contact: Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org) or phone 0800 555 111

Hampshire Alerts is not a crime reporting portal – please do not report crime here.

If you realise you’ve been scammed and wish to report a fraud that has already happened, please report it to Action Fraud either phone 0300 123 2040 or online at: Action Fraud

If a crime is in progress, and/or you are in fear for yourself or someone else, and/or there is evidence in situ that could be damaged/destroyed, please phone 999 immediately. 

Otherwise, report online, or find out about other ways to report a crime at: Report a crime | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

Thank you – Fraud Safeguarding Team