According to a report by consumer watchdog Which?, romance scammers are increasingly preying on vulnerable individuals on charity Facebook pages, particularly those discussing mental health, bereavement, and ageing.
The scammers create fake profiles and send friend requests to people who have recently lost a loved one or are going through a difficult time. Once they gain the victim’s trust, they start asking for money or personal information.
If you are active on charity Facebook pages, it is important to be aware of these scams and take steps to protect yourself. Here are some tips:
- Be cautious of friend requests from strangers: If you receive a friend request from someone you don’t know, check their profile carefully before accepting it. Look for signs of suspicious activity such as a lack of photos or posts.
- Don’t share personal information: Never share your personal information such as your address, phone number or bank details with someone you don’t know.
- Report suspicious activity: If you come across a suspicious profile or receive a message that seems like a scam, report it to Facebook immediately.
- Join support groups: If you have been scammed by a romance scammer, consider joining a support group for victims of romance scams. These groups provide a safe and caring place where you can share your experience and get support from others who have been through the same thing.