Rising Romance Scams: Experts Urge Students to Report Sextortion

In recent months, an alarming rise in romance scams targeting students through dating apps has prompted authorities and experts to issue urgent warnings. The National Crime Agency (NCA) and financial institutions such as Nationwide Building Society have highlighted the prevalence of these scams, particularly a form known as sextortion, wherein criminals exploit young individuals by tricking them into sharing intimate images and then blackmailing them.

According to Annya Burksys, head of fraud operations at Nationwide, scams have become 'commonplace' among students, with a staggering 28% of those surveyed reporting that they have fallen victim to some form of scam. This data emerges from a survey conducted by Nationwide, which also revealed that 50% of respondents expressed concern about becoming victims of fraud in the future. The increase in reported sextortion cases has been particularly pronounced; data obtained by BBC News through a Freedom of Information request indicated that 33 police forces in England and Wales recorded nearly 8,000 blackmail offenses linked to sextortion in 2023, a significant increase from just 23 such cases logged in 2014.

The rise of these scams can be attributed to the growing sophistication of fraudsters, who often utilize artificial intelligence to create convincing online personas. Emma Evans, a student from Cardiff, shared her experience of nearly falling victim to such a scam. During a night out, she and her friends recognized that a match on a dating app was likely a bot, as the individual repeatedly used generic phrases and failed to engage meaningfully in conversation. 'You could tell it was not a real person,' Evans noted, emphasizing the importance of vigilance when engaging with online contacts.

Experts such as Jim Winters, head of economic crime at Nationwide, urge potential victims to limit the sharing of intimate images and to be cautious when interacting with individuals they have not met in person. 'If something doesn’t feel right, speak up,' Winters advises. 'It might be tempting to share information or photos, but once shared, you lose control over them.' He recommends several precautionary measures, including scrutinizing messaging patterns for odd phrases and using reverse image searches on profile pictures to confirm their authenticity.

The implications of these scams extend beyond individual victims. Katherine Hart, lead officer for doorstep crime at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, points out that fraudsters are also targeting bereaved families. Scammers are known to impersonate the deceased online and charge mourners for access to funeral livestreams that are typically free. 'This is a truly despicable scam—targeting people during one of the most emotionally difficult moments of their lives,' Hart stated.

As the landscape of online interactions continues to evolve, the need for awareness and education on the risks associated with dating apps is paramount. The NCA's first-ever all-school alert, issued last year, serves as a reminder of the dangers of sextortion, urging young people to be proactive in protecting themselves from potential scams. 'Talk to someone you trust, maybe a friend or family member. Don’t suffer in silence,' Winters concluded, reinforcing the vital role of community support in combating fraud.

In conclusion, as romance scams proliferate, it is essential for students and young individuals to remain vigilant, educate themselves about the tactics used by scammers, and foster open discussions with trusted peers to mitigate risks. The collaboration between financial institutions, law enforcement, and educational institutions will be crucial in addressing this growing concern and protecting vulnerable populations from the devastating effects of fraud.