THREE people from south London have been arrested as part of an ongoing operation to tackle romance fraudsters.
On Thursday, Surrey Police arrested two men and one woman on suspicion of fraud by false representation and money laundering.
In total the operation has seen 10 people arrested for the scam.
Romance fraud is when a person uses a fake profile online to form a relationship with someone.
The fraudster aims to gain the victims trust over a long amount of time, causing the victim to gain feelings for them, before taking their money or personal information.
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.”
Romance fraud increased by a third in 2020 compared to 2019, with the pandemic being a factor for dating more online.
Already this year Surrey Police and Sussex Police have seen 186 reports of romance fraud.
If you believe that you have been a victim of a scam, you can report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Have you been a victim of romance fraud? Tell us your story at monica.charsley@newsquest.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here