The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has urged the public to stay vigilant following a series of reports about romance scams, including cases linked to dating apps and requests for gift cards.

Superintendent Joanne Gibson, Chair of ScamwiseNI Partnership, described those behind these crimes as "skilled manipulators."

Speaking recently on World Romance Scam Prevention Day, which was marked on Saturday October 3rd, she said: "These scammers are highly skilled at emotional manipulation and at creating a fake romantic interest which their victim believes. They cruelly invest weeks or months in grooming their victims before asking for money, building an emotional connection with their victim only to take advantage.

"Many people use social media and dating sites to find love and meet new people and, while in many cases, situations are safe and legitimate, there are, unfortunately, criminals who take advantage of this and go to great lengths to build a fake relationship. Their sole aim is stealing people's money.

"Fraudsters seek to build a relationship of trust quickly before requesting money. Initially, they'll appear charming and come across as being really interested in you, but they'll have multiple excuses for not being able to meet face-to-face. They'll hint at financial troubles and start asking for money by playing on victim's emotions. For example, asking for help to pay for medical or legal bills, help a family member, pay for travel, or some sort of investment opportunity. "They'll promise to repay the money but have no intention of doing so. For some people who believe they've found a genuine, meaningful relationship, the stark reality is they've been emotionally and financially drained. Even if any money lost is recovered, the person is still left to cope with the emotional impact and distress."

Superintendent Gibson added: "We hope by raising awareness of this type of fraud, people will know the signs to look out for and feel empowered to stop fraudsters taking their money.

"We also encourage anyone who has lost money in this type of fraud to report it. Do not feel ashamed - you are not at fault."

Police are advising anyone using dating apps or social media to be cautious: never send money or share bank details with someone you have only met online, regardless of how convincing their story may seem. If something feels off, stop and contact ScamwiseNI via www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the Facebook page @scamwiseni.

If you have lost money, notify your bank immediately. Report to Police online at www.psni.police.uk/report or call 101, and report fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Further guidance and information are available from the PSNI at www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/protecting-yourself/scams-and-fraud/romance-scams and from ScamwiseNI at www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni. You can also report fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk/.