SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
UK Dating Scams Move Up To Extreme Levels
According to UK crime statistics shared with Romance Scams Now, the world of Dating Scams in the United Kingdom have entered a dangerous new phase. And it is coming from both Russians and Nigerians living in England and the U.K.
What we are talking about is similar to the trend in the U.S. up to about 2001. In those days the Russian mob was using online dating as a way to identify targets. After the online dater had been down the path for a while, Russian Mobsters show up at the male daters home unannounced, and make their demands. These were anything from money to valuables. Their leverage was that they knew huge amounts of information shared by the male dater, about their jobs, their businesses, and even their children. The only good news was that the mobsters were not greedy, they collected a few thousand dollars and moved on. However, because the the threat of retribution and embarrassment, few ever filed criminal complaints. One estimate had as many as 7,000 victims of this in 2001 alone – of course the good news was that this shut down with September 11, 2001. It still happens, but a wise man has little to fear in the U.S.
Zoom forward now to 2014 and Great Britain.
We are now seeing exactly the same thing emerge again. For those not familiar, this is similar to the plot of the 2001 film “Birthday Girl” staring Nicole Kidman, as a Russian Online Bride who comes to England, only to have her “Russian Friends” show up and demand that the man rob a bank. This is a must see for any online dater.
We have learned that lately, the Nigerians are also in the mix, hooking men and women online, then having UK locals show up for the cash. Because the victim really only knows the person in Nigeria or Western Africa, the local police are almost powerless to do anything other than arrest every Nigerian – hmmm, maybe that’s not such a bad idea? Seriously though, we have heard that there are an increasing number of these crimes in the Midlands and elsewhere.
Our advice is this:
FIRST VERIFY where your other person is. If anywhere in Africa – back away fast!
SECOND if Russian or Eastern European, arrange to meet before sharing too much information. You will spend a little more up front, but have a better idea of who you are talking to. By the way, do not meat in their country, meet somewhere else in Western Europe on neutral ground.
THIRD avoid Africa, Eastern Europe, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia – all are now hotbeds of online scammers, and places where kidnapping is rampant.
FOURTH if you are looking overseas stick to Latin America and mainland Asia.
Best of luck to you all, but always be watchful.
-/ 30 /-
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Statement About Victim Blaming
SCARS Institute articles examine different aspects of the scam victim experience, as well as those who may have been secondary victims. This work focuses on understanding victimization through the science of victimology, including common psychological and behavioral responses. The purpose is to help victims and survivors understand why these crimes occurred, reduce shame and self-blame, strengthen recovery programs and victim opportunities, and lower the risk of future victimization.
At times, these discussions may sound uncomfortable, overwhelming, or may be mistaken for blame. They are not. Scam victims are never blamed. Our goal is to explain the mechanisms of deception and the human responses that scammers exploit, and the processes that occur after the scam ends, so victims can better understand what happened to them and why it felt convincing at the time, and what the path looks like going forward.
Articles that address the psychology, neurology, physiology, and other characteristics of scams and the victim experience recognize that all people share cognitive and emotional traits that can be manipulated under the right conditions. These characteristics are not flaws. They are normal human functions that criminals deliberately exploit. Victims typically have little awareness of these mechanisms while a scam is unfolding and a very limited ability to control them. Awareness often comes only after the harm has occurred.
By explaining these processes, these articles help victims make sense of their experiences, understand common post-scam reactions, and identify ways to protect themselves moving forward. This knowledge supports recovery by replacing confusion and self-blame with clarity, context, and self-compassion.
Additional educational material on these topics is available at ScamPsychology.org – ScamsNOW.com and other SCARS Institute websites.
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The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
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