Fraudsters are targeting dating sites in a bid to lure Scots into investment scams.
Singles have been warned over Valentine’s Day con artists who establish an initial relationship before moving on to talk about investment tips or trading apps.
Advice Direct Scotland (ADS) said the sophisticated scam targets people looking for love on dating sites – a practice which has increased during lockdown.
Interpol has also issued a warning about the scheme, which is in operation across Europe.
Soon after building up a rapport, the criminals encourage users to download a legitimate-looking trading app.
That encourages the buying of financial products.
But soon after money has been handed over the user gets locked out of their account and cannot access their investments or contact the person from the dating app.
ADS head of operations Marjorie Gibson said: “On Valentine’s Day, we know that many Scots may be thinking about downloading a dating app, particularly with lockdown restrictions still in place.
“Unfortunately, the criminal community is anticipating this trend too, and is seeking to scam vulnerable people looking for romance out of potentially thousands of pounds.
“This is a sophisticated scheme which will look very genuine to anyone who downloads it.
“Our warning to Scots on dating apps is to never send money or bank details to people you meet on there.
“And if someone you’ve struck up a bond with begins talking about trading and investment, you should be ultra-suspicious.
“Any activity like this should be reported to the police or to ADS online, on the phone or through our ScamWatch facility.
”Fraudsters are targeting dating sites in a bid to lure Scots into investment scams.
Singles have been warned over Valentine’s Day con artists who establish an initial relationship before moving on to talk about investment tips or trading apps.
Advice Direct Scotland (ADS) said the sophisticated scam targets people looking for love on dating sites– a practice which has increased during lockdown.
Interpol has also issued a warning about the scheme, which is in operation across Europe.
Soon after building up a rapport, the criminals encourage users to download a legitimate-looking trading app.
That encourages the buying of financial products.
But soon after money has been handed over the user gets locked out of their account and cannot access their investments or contact the person from the dating app.
ADS head of operations Marjorie Gibson said: “On Valentine’s Day, we know that many Scots may be thinking about downloading a dating app, particularly with lockdown restrictions still in place.
“Unfortunately, the criminal community is anticipating this trend too, and is seeking to scam vulnerable people looking for romance out of potentially thousands of pounds.
“This is a sophisticated scheme which will look very genuine to anyone who downloads it.
“Our warning to Scots on dating apps is to never send money or bank details to people you meet on there.
“And if someone you’ve struck up a bond with begins talking about trading and investment, you should be ultra-suspicious.
“Any activity like this should be reported to the police or to ADS online, on the phone or through our ScamWatch facility.”
