|
Fraud Squad detective constable Alan Tremlett recently received three reports of people giving away thousands of pounds to swindlers promising friendship, relationships and marriage.
One person lost more than £30,000.
The scam typically starts a few months after someone has joined a dating agency.
Swindlers gain the trust of their victims before convincing them to start sending money.
‘Many of them say they would love to come to live in Guernsey or need money for their children,’ said DC Tremlett. ‘Often, there is an offer of marriage.’
He added that it wasn’t just the vulnerable who fall for the scam.
‘They will target anyone,’ he said. ‘The people who fall victim to this can be professionals such as doctors or dentists. It’s across the board.’
Many of the sites are run from African countries. Targets are sometimes asked to send cash via Western Union or Moneygram in exchange for a cheque.
DC Tremlett advised islanders to be wary of any such requests.
He was concerned that there might be more cases than had been reported. ‘There is the embarrassment factor about it all,’ he said. ‘Often it takes time for people to come to us. The trouble is, by the time the money’s been sent, it’s probably gone for good.’
| 
