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15:13 29/04/2021
Three people have been arrested today as part of an ongoing operation to tackle so-called romance fraudsters. In total 10 suspects have been arrested in relation to this operation.
Today’s arrests were carried out at two addresses in South London. A 35 year-old man, a 41 year-old woman and a 47 year-old man were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and money laundering.
Investigating officer DC Mason said, “Romance fraud is a particularly cunning, cruel and highly manipulative crime. The impact this leaves on victims can be devastating.
“I hope this action today encourages victims of online romance fraud to come forward and report it so those responsible can be brought to justice.”
Episodes 5 and 10 of the TV show For Love or Money on the BBC feature some Surrey Police fraud cases. You can watch them back via the BBC website here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000stv9/for-love-or-money-series-2-episode-10
Following the change in many people's circumstances and subsequent loneliness as a result of the pandemic, romance fraud increased by a third in 2020 compared to 2019. Already this year Surrey Police and Sussex Police have seen 186 reports of romance fraud.
Protect your heart – and your wallet – from romance fraud: