North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin has issued a warning to lonely men and women in North Wales not to be fooled by heartless scammers.

He spoke out after it was revealed that cruel fraudsters had duped their targets out of nearly £500,000 last year.

Mr Dunbobbin said the region’s police force had received more than 100 reports of romance fraud in 2021.

But he fears it could be just the tip of the iceberg, and many more lovelorn victims too embarrassed or ashamed to contact the police could be out there.

According to Mr Dunbobbin, the increased isolation and loneliness caused by the pandemic had also led to an increase in romance fraud.

One of the cases that came to light involved a single man aged 57 who was conned out of £150,000 after being groomed over a period of months when he was gradually isolated from his family and friends.

The fraudster told him she wanted to renovate a property abroad so she could sell it to move to the UK so they could spend the rest of their lives together.

The victim was persuaded to send money to the suspect for the work to be completed.

Police are investigating, and providing support for the victim.

People who fear they have been victims can now call 159.

The number is being trialled by Stop Scams UK, a group of banks and telephone firms and will enable people to speak to their bank instantly about a suspected fraud

Mr Dunbobbin said: “Being a victim of fraud can have a devastating and traumatic impact on peoples’ lives, often leaving them emotionally destroyed.

“The problem is that these scammers are incredibly plausible and have the gift of the gab so it is understandable that people can get taken in, particularly if they are feeling lonely.

“It’s therefore important for people to be on their guard for this kind of crime and not to be fooled by these smooth-talking swindlers whose only interest is fleecing their victims remorselessly.

“Over the past two years it’s understandable that due to the pandemic people have been feeling insecure and lonely which has increased this type of fraud.

“The pandemic has also provided fraudsters with the perfect excuses as to why they cannot meet their victims in person.

“I am urging anyone who is concerned they may have been a victim to seek help and support.”

If you have been the victim of a fraud you can report it to Action Fraud via the website, www.actionfraud.police.uk or by ringing them on 0300 123 2040 while people who suspect they have been scammed can also call a new hotline by ringing 159.