Moving the conversation off social media
Becky says: “The first thing to know is that if a fraudster is talking to you online, on a dating platform or social media, they will try to move the conversation elsewhere very quickly, to something encrypted like TikTok, Snapchat or WhatsApp.
“This is because a lot of platforms like X have tools where you can report people and their accounts can be suspended. If they have your number, this can’t happen.
“If the person is genuine, there is no reason whatsoever for them to move the conversation somewhere else in a rush.”
Love bombing
Becky said: “Another red flag to look out for is love bombing. If they come on really strong, really quick.
“Especially on Valentine’s Day, they’ll message saying this time of year brings up feelings, you look so beautiful, even saying they love you.
“Again, if someone is genuine, there is no reason to rush these things.”
Common careers
“People should look out for common careers fraudsters will claim to have,” Becky explains.
“Army officer, pilot, working on an oil rig.
“All careers where you have a legit excuse to not pick up the phone or video call because you have bad signal, or no easy access to a bank so might urgently need money.
“Careers where you might be out of the country.”
Trauma bonding
“Fraudsters are cleverer now than they’ve ever been.
“The advice is always don’t transfer money to someone you’re talking to online… most people already know that.
“Fraudsters know how to target weak points and vulnerable people.
“They also know how to trauma bond. If you’re talking to someone and you mention you’re a widow – all of a sudden they’re a widow too.
“If you say you have cancer – oh, their sister has cancer too.
“It’s the shared connection. You need to look deeper. People never think this will happen to them until it does.”
Trust built up over time
Fraudesters aren’t afraid to invest time in their scams.
Becky told The Sun: “If someone is talking to a fraudster for a long time it’s really hard to speak to them about it.
“If they’ve spoken to a person for six months, that’s a significant amount of time – trust is built up.
“At that point, if you’re asked to lend them £500, it’s no big deal.”
How to speak to someone you suspect is being targeted
“If someone you love is targeted, you can easily push them away and into the arms of the fraudster. It’s really hard.
“They’ve essentially groomed them.”
Becky’s advice is: “Gently express concern, say ‘I’m not sure about this, I hope I’m wrong, but I’m always going to be here if you need to talk’.
“In a lot of cases, friends and family end up getting frustrated, then the victim is left isolated with the fraudster.
“There are parallels to domestic abuse.”
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