The way to defeat online dating scams

Any efforts to tackle the problem of online dating scams should take the emotional state of the person being conned into account. This is the suggestion of new research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, which recommended policymakers, the police, dating agencies and doctors give consideration to this in order to prevent crimes of this nature.

Conducted by Professor Monica Whitty of the University of Leicester - who is also a member of the British Psychological Society and has presented research at its conferences - and Professor Tom Buchanan of the University of Westminster, the study found placing more of an emphasis on emotions should occur in an effort to support victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The investigation revealed around 230,000 people in the UK have fallen victim to online dating scammers since 2007, with many using a fake profile to extort money from those they pretend to show a romantic interest in.

Professor Whitty said: "Dating companies could target advice at particularly vulnerable individuals especially those with high romantic ideals, previous mental health problems or a history of abuse."