The Canadian government has highlighted "romance scams" in its travel advisory for Ireland.
"If you’re travelling to Ireland to meet someone you’ve otherwise only met online, you may be the victim of a scam," the Government of Canada says in its travel advice for Ireland.
"Be wary of attempts at fraud by persons who profess friendship or romantic interest over the internet."
The Canadian travel advice, which was last updated on February 18, also advises on two other types of fraud - credit card and ATM, and cybercrime.
Overall, however, the Canadian government has Ireland at its safest risk level, encouraging visitors to "take normal safety precautions."
Last year, ahead of Valentine's Day, An Garda Síochána advised the public to beware of romance scams and criminals who are taking advantage of an increase in the popularity of dating apps among those seeking romance.
Romance scammers, An Garda Síochána said, "will steal your heart and then swindle your money."
At the time, An Garda Síochána said that of the 245 victims that had come forward since 2020, the majority were female and their average financial loss was €28,500.
The highest reported loss by a female in Ireland was over €450,000 stolen in 18 transactions, while one male victim had more than €380,000 taken.
In January of this year, An Garda Síochána announced that a man had been arrested in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) as part of an ongoing investigation into a number of romance fraud complaints in Ireland.
It is alleged that victims have been targeted through a variety of popular dating apps, Gardaí said.
In a planned operation on January 10 involving Gardaí from the DMR North Central, DMR South Central, and Galway divisions, investigating Gardaí executed a search warrant at a residence in Dublin.
During the course of the search, a number of electronic items were seized.
A male in his 30s was arrested and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda station in the Dublin Metropolitan Region. He was later released from detention.
An Garda Síochána said at the time they were appealing to anyone who believes they may have been a victim of or affected by fraud via dating apps to contact any Garda station and report the crime. Be assured that An Garda Síochána will treat all reports sensitively and in confidence.
Later, on February 14, Valentine's Day, An Garda Síochána issued an advisory warning people to "be careful of romance scams online."
"Many people will for romance on social media or dating apps this Valentine's Day," An Garda Síochána said, "but this can lead to abuse or exploitation.
"Be careful when using online dating apps. Check the profile and photos online for duplicates before connecting.
"Never send money no matter how sad or desperate their story is.
"Never agree to meet unaccompanied and don't share personal content or details.
"Online abusers are waiting to break more than your heart."
Looking for romance online?
Online abusers might not just break your heart, they may break the bank as well.#ValentinesDay pic.twitter.com/ZtYfS3KNk5
— Garda Info (@gardainfo) February 14, 2025
Tips for staying safe online and avoiding romance scams
- Use a reputable dating site and its messaging function to help avoid moving to social media or texting too quickly
- Take the image(s) they are using on their profile and Google Reverse Image Search
- Be careful of what personal details you share on your profile and do not give your address, a copy of your passport or driving licence
- Be wary of anyone asking lots of questions about you but not revealing much about themselves, or anyone asking you to video call but they won’t
- Never, ever send money or give your bank details including online banking password to someone you have met online
- Do not make any payment on the pretence that they visit you
- Do not invest your money in any opportunity offered by a person that you’ve connected with online - always seek independent financial and legal advice
- Do not download any app that they ask you to i.e. AnyDesk
- If you become suspicious, save all your correspondence with the individual and immediately make contact with your bank and any police station
- Look out for inconsistencies like they’re university educated, but their spelling and grammar are below average.
- Act on instinct if you spot gaps in their story which can often occur as the fraudster mixes up which victim they are speaking with.
Comments