May 21, 2024
Valkyrie featured in South East Times: the perils of online romance
Valkyrie featured in South East Times: the perils of online romance
Valkyrie, the risk management and security specialists, have contributed to the South East Times to shed light on the risks of online dating — and how to safeguard ourselves from deception and heartbreak.
The article, which featured in the 20 May edition of the weekly publication, exposes the escalating threat of romance scams, highlighting alarming statistics and offering crucial advice for protection.
“Technology has revolutionised how we meet, interact and connect with others — which also means finding 'love' is no longer limited by location or circumstance. However, while online romance presents opportunities, it also comes with significant risks,” Valkyrie Managing Director David Webb wrote in the feature.
“From 2019 to 2022, five UK police forces reported victim losses exceeding £10m due to romance fraud. In2022 alone, the Metropolitan Police reported over 1,000 incidents with losses nearing £15m. A 2023 UK government report reveals that fraud constitutes over40% of all crime but receives less than 1% of police resources. Similarly, theFTC reported nearly 70,000 US victims in 2022, with losses exceeding US $1.3bn. Scammers use a host of tools to give 'credibility' to their false personas, including content leveraged from social media; disturbingly they are also utilising AI-generated deepfakes to add further authenticity. Once they have fully engaged the victim, a sudden 'emergency' or bogus investment scheme necessitates the transfer of funds,” said David.
He continued: “To protect yourself, be vigilant and think critically. Be cautious of financial requests, safeguard personal information, and use reverse image searches to verify identities. Maintain a cautious social media presence and seek trusted advice if in doubt. Navigating online dating requires discernment. If you suspect a scam, seek help — you are not alone in protecting your relationships and financial well-being.”
The South East Times is the weekly digital magazine covering the areas of London, Cambridgeshire, Essex,Kent, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Surrey, Suffolk, Norfolk, Berkshire,Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire.
Visit www.valkyrie.co.uk to find out more
