POLICE are warning would-be romantics not to fall victim to online romance fraud this Valentine's Day.

This type crime – where fraudsters befriend potential victims online before defrauding them – is responsible for scamming Brits out of millions of pounds every year.

Detective Constable Jo Devers from Merseyside Police's economic crime team said: "A lot of people now use the internet and social media to meet new friends or partners but sadly that is where they can also fall foul of fraudsters who will take advantage of them.

"Romance frauds are particularly unpleasant and upsetting offences.

"Not only can the victims lose a lot of money but they are also faced with the heart-breaking realisation that the person they thought they were forging a genuine relationship with online are actually using them for their own selfish gain.

"Sadly by the time someone has realised that the person they have been conversing with online are not who they say they are it is too late and the damage – both emotionally and financially – has already been done.

"I would urge everyone who uses the Internet for meeting new people to never share things like banking details with anyone they have not actually met and cannot possibly truly know, no matter what tragic story they tell you or what they appear to look like from their photos.

“My advice would be if something sounds too good to be true it probably is.

If you are suspicious of someone’s actions or behaviour online then don’t send them money. If a person is genuine then they would understand your concerns.

“If someone believes they have fallen victim to any kind of fraud then I would urge them to contact action fraud via their website www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 101 or the confidential Crimestoppers line anonymously on 0800 555 111."