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DATING SCAMMERS FLEECED HUNDREDS IN THE NORTH EAST BETWEEN 2022/23 AND 2024/2025 00:46, 21 May 2025 Figures from Action Fraud show that hundreds of people across the North East fell victim

to "romance scams" between 2022 and 2025. Data released under Freedom of Information laws shows that in between 2022/23 and 2024/25 in the Northumbria Police area - Northumberland

and Tyne and Wear - saw 347 reports of this kind of scam. And those affected claim to have lost almost £2.4m. Further south in the Durham Constabulary force area, 181 romance scams were

reported - to a value of £1.9m. Across both areas that adds up to more than £4.3m, but the true figure could be higher as the figures released also include £53m-worth of romance fraud not

directly attributed to an area. The information has been obtained by advice firm Action Fraud Claims Advice - which is not associated with Action Fraud itself, which is a police agency.

Nationally, it shows that there were 21,976 reports of dating scams across the three year period. In total, reported losses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland hit £271,430,524. KEEP UP

TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS AND TOP STORIES FROM THE NORTH EAST WITH OUR FREE NEWSLETTER Article continues below Though the average loss to a dating scam was around £10,000,

there were 533 people who reported losing between £50,000 and £100,000. Romance fraud is the topic of the podcast Love Bombed hosted by Geordie celeb Vicky Pattinson. The BBC Sounds show

delves into stories where someone has fallen victim. Earlier this year, Vicky said: "Romance fraud is a particularly cruel crime, preying on people’s trust and emotions in the most

intimate of ways." After a case last year where a romance scammer was jailed for the second time after using "love bombing" techniques to steal thousands from a number of

women, Northumbria Police's Detective Constable Saad Sheban said: “These types of criminals are incredibly manipulative and sophisticated in how they operate. They often use fake names

and create false identities to prey on vulnerable people looking for friendships or romantic partners. “Remember to never give out money to people you’ve met online and if you think you have

been a victim of romance fraud, do not feel ashamed or embarrassed – you are not alone.” Law firm JF Law works to support scam victims. A spokesperson said: "Dating fraud is a

shameless and cruel crime, and unfortunately one which is being seen more and more in the UK. Fraudsters prey upon people’s trust and desire for companionship to line their own pockets.

Nobody who falls victim to these scams deserves it. “What they do deserve is sympathy and support with reclaiming their losses, which is what we do for people around the country every day.”

The charity Victim Support is available to help those affected. On its site, it describes romance fraud as: "When you believe you’ve met a new partner through online dating, a dating

app or via social media, and are in a genuine relationship. "However, that person is a criminal using a fake profile and false identity to build a relationship with you. This is usually

to get money or personal details, or for you to complete transactions on their behalf." TO REPORT AN OFFENCE OF FRAUD, CONTACT NORTHUMBRIA POLICE USING THE ‘REPORT’ PAGES OF THE

WEBSITE.. YOU CAN ALSO REPORT A DATING SCAM, CONTACT ACTION FRAUD AT WWW.ACTIONFRAUD.POLICE.UK. VICTIM SUPPORT CAN BE CONTACTED BY CALLING 08 08 16 89 111. Article continues below JOIN OUR

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