Don't let scammers leave you broken-hearted this Valentine’s Day - that’s the message from a leading Irish bank.
Ulster Bank is urging people across the country to recognise and be on their guard against ‘romance scams’, not just on Valentine’s Day but all year round.
In romance scams, criminals often use online dating websites, apps, or social media to chat with victims and persuade them to send money or gather enough personal information to blackmail or steal their identities.
Ulster Bank’s Denise Cusack said: “We are committed to helping customers to avoid scammers and keep their money safe."
“That’s why Ulster Bank colleagues around the country have been receiving ‘Friends Against Scams’ training since November 2018, so that they are in a position to help customers to avoid scams of all types.
“When romance scams are uncovered, it is often because of our ‘Friends Against Scams’ programme, where colleagues are trained to spot red flags, identify romance scams where they are suspected, and then discuss the matter sensitively with the customer, providing them with the necessary advice and support afterwards.”
The bank hopes that by talking about it and bringing these issues into the open, people will feel more comfortable in speaking out and helping others avoid these types of scams in the future.
Ulster Bank is encouraging anyone who encounters suspicious behaviour to contact its dedicated scams team by calling 1800 245 403.
