Scam Secrets - Dating Fraud: Don't Worry, I'm Rich
Download Dating Fraud: Don't Worry, I'm Rich
You've met someone online. You chat every night and it's going well - but then they need your help. Would you know what to do?
Romance fraud cost people more than £400m last year - and that's just the cases that were reported.
In this episode, BBC reporter Shari Vahl, criminologist Dr Elisabeth Carter and former scammer Alex Wood dissect the harrowing story of a woman who sent £80,000 to a man she believed was her soulmate.
Step by step, they uncover the criminal's elaborate tactics - from the powerful use of silence and love bombing, to a fake banking app and lies about a trip to hospital.
They highlight the red flags to watch out for and how to see criminals coming.
You can email the team at scam.secrets@bbc.co.uk
PRESENTER: SHARI VAHL
PRODUCER: TOM MOSELEY
Published on Thursday, 7th August 2025.
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