Romance scammers claiming to be visiting Norfolk on holiday from Kazakhstan have been targeting those looking for love in the county.
The fraudsters have even been telling their victims “do not ask me for naked pictures, I have not and will never send” before claiming they are only looking for a “serious relationship”.
One version of the scam sees tricksters pretend to be 34-year-old Kazakh, Alina, who claims she is coming to Norfolk for “a long vacation”.
Alina then claims she is ready to meet “next month” and will then start to ask victims personal information once they are hooked.
Information asked for included date of birth, name of first pet or home address with a view to commit identity fraud.
Trading Standards says messages might appear convincing, but small spelling and grammatical errors give away that the person is fake.
Victims of the dating scam can report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Those who have sent money or provided financial information to what could be a scam contact should phone their bank immediately on a number they know to be correct, such as the one listed on their statement, website or on the back of a debit or credit card.
