According to the police, romance fraud is the only type of fraud that is increasing in police area West, ie Västra Götaland and Halland.
It is about transferring money to people you have gotten to know via social media or various dating sites.
It often starts with transferring smaller sums, but then the fraudster becomes increasingly anxious to get more.
- People can have a digital relationship for several years.
It is only when you have become indebted that you realize that the person you have had a relationship with is not who you think you are, says Anna-Karin Kjellgren.
"Embarrassing to report"
According to the police, men and women of all ages are affected, but the reports usually come from women in their 50s.
- That it is most women may be due to the fact that men do not report crimes as frequently as women.
They may be ashamed and find it embarrassing to report, says Anna-Karin Kjellgren.
Police call
So far this year, the police in Region West have drawn up 49 reports concerning romance fraud.
Last year, 43 were written for the whole year.
The police are convinced that more people will be affected before the end of the year and therefore appeal to the public to:
- Do not pay money to someone you have not met.
Then you are safe if you do not do it, says Anna-Karin Kjellgren, crime prevention at police area west.