Rising Romance Scams: Students Advised to Speak Up Against Sextortion

As romance scams proliferate, particularly among students on dating applications, victims are increasingly being urged to speak out rather than suffer in silence. A recent report from Nationwide, the United Kingdom's largest building society, highlights a concerning rise in blackmail cases, particularly those involving 'sextortion'. This crime involves criminals impersonating young individuals online to trick victims into sharing intimate images, which are then used for blackmail.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) issued its first all-school alert last year, cautioning teenagers about the growing prevalence of sextortion. Annya Burksys, head of fraud operations at Nationwide, emphasized that scammers are becoming more sophisticated and relentless, making these scams disturbingly common among students.

A survey conducted by Nationwide revealed that 28% of students reported having fallen victim to scams, while 50% expressed concern about potential victimization. This alarming trend is compounded by the fact that data on such crimes is often difficult to compile due to inconsistent reporting practices. According to Freedom of Information requests made to UK police forces, 33 out of 45 forces reported nearly 8,000 blackmail cases related to sextortion in 2023, a significant increase from just 23 cases recorded in 2014.

Emma Evans, a student from Cardiff, recounted how a casual night out with friends led to the identification of a potentially fraudulent match on a dating app. The conversation revealed repetitive phrases that suggested the person was likely an AI chatbot, raising concerns about authenticity. Evans' experience underscores the necessity for vigilance and the importance of discussing suspicions with trusted friends.

Jim Winters, head of economic crime at Nationwide, echoed this sentiment, urging individuals to exercise caution when sharing images, especially with those they have not met in person. "Blackmail is one of the hardest things to face, and it’s happening more often. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up," he advised. He recommended that individuals look for odd phrases in messages, verify profile pictures through search engines, and consult someone else for a second opinion if doubts arise.

In addition to targeting students, fraudsters have also begun exploiting the grief of bereaved families. According to the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), criminals impersonate deceased individuals online and charge mourners for access to funeral livestreams, which are typically free. Katherine Hart, CTSI lead officer for doorstep crime, labeled these scams as particularly despicable, suggesting that they prey on people during emotionally vulnerable moments.

Hart emphasized the importance of vigilance and reporting suspicious activities, stating, "Victims often feel they can’t report what’s happened for fear of adding further stress to grieving families. That silence is exactly what these criminals are counting on."

As the landscape of online interactions evolves, so too do the tactics employed by fraudsters. Awareness and open communication about the risks associated with online dating are essential to combatting these emerging threats. Law enforcement agencies and financial institutions are encouraging individuals to remain alert and proactive in sharing information about potential scams to mitigate their impact on vulnerable populations.