Cheshire Police combat romance fraud with an online Peer Support Group session.

Action Fraud, the UK’s reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, states that romance fraud has seen a significant rise, with 8,710 victims in 2023 alone. The true number is likely much higher.

Cheshire Police are taking a stand against romance fraud, continuing the success of the Peer Support Group offering a safe space for victims.

Romance fraud thrives on shame and silence. Victims, often deceived by online relationships, hesitate to come forward due to stigma.

Cheshire Police's innovative Peer Support Group tackles this head-on. This confidential online space allows victims to:

• Share experiences with others who understand.
• Find support and begin healing.
• Move forward from the emotional impact.

Romance fraud, where unsuspecting victims are deceived by someone pretending to be in a relationship with them online, is a growing problem.

The shame and stigma associated with the crime often prevent victims from coming forward. Cheshire Police’s Peer Support Group aims to address this stigma.

The confidential online group provides a space for victims to share their experiences, find support from others who have been through similar situations, and begin the healing process.

Police Constable Jim Day, of the Economic Crime Unit, at Cheshire Police, said:

“We hope this group will empower victims to talk openly and rebuild their trust.

“By providing peer support, we can help them overcome the emotional and financial impact of this crime. We should move away from telling and rescuing, to listening and enabling.

“We need to create the right conditions for our victims to be heard and understood as they are more likely to reveal their true fears and concerns, which will lead them to make changes for themselves.”

As well as supporting victims, Cheshire Constabulary remains committed to doing all we can to help eradicating romance fraud.

Calli Wilkinson, a Fraud Investigator at Cheshire Police, is leading efforts to develop educational campaigns aimed at reducing the risk of fraud.

By identifying target groups, common tactics, and manipulative language used by fraudsters, these campaigns will empower communities and make it harder for scammers to operate.

To find out more about current fraud trends in Cheshire, follow the Cheshire Police Fraud and Cybercrime Team Facebook page.

Detective Inspector Helen Rowlands, head of the Economic Crime Unit, at Cheshire Police, added:

“Romance fraud can have devastating consequences and we are committed to doing all we can to tackle the issue and support those who have been victims to such unscrupulous criminals.

“I would like to commend the work undertaken by PC Day and Calli, which is making a real difference by helping to improve the lives of victims and make our communities safer.”

If you suspect you’ve been a victim of romance fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or by calling 0300 123 2040.