Understand
How to spot the signs a loved one is being scammed after woman loses £140,000 to romance fraudsters
Overview
A UK woman shares her experience after her 80-year-old mother lost £140,000 to online romance scammers using deepfake technology. Experts provide guidance on spotting the warning signs of fraud, approaching loved ones without confrontation, contacting banks to implement account safeguards, and resetting digital footprints to cut off contact with criminals.
Key points
- Helen's 80-year-old mother was defrauded out of £140,000 by romance scammers using AI deepfake photos and videos on Facebook.
- Warning signs of a scam include changes in behaviour or mood, being secretive, unusual financial activity, and frequent bank or post office visits.
- Experts advise families to remain calm, curious, and non-confrontational when trying to help victims.
- Contacting a loved one's bank can help put account safeguards in place, and Nationwide has already returned £45,000 to Helen's mother.
- Resetting a victim's digital footprint by changing phone numbers, email addresses, and social media accounts helps prevent scammers from maintaining contact.