SINGLES looking for love are being warned about internet dating scams.

Worcestershire County Council says it has received a number of complaints from people who are being targeted by an increasing number of scams.

Victims are contacted by someone posing as a member of an internet dating or social networking website – often purporting to be an American working abroad, usually in the Middle East, and claiming to be a widower with either a son or daughter.

After a long period of grooming, a request for money is made, usually to help them in an emergency to do with their child.

Further requests are often made for flights to the UK.

Police in Devon are investigating a case where someone paid a total of £72,000 to supposedly help someone set up a business after they left the armed forces in Nigeria.

Councillor Derek Prodger, cabinet member for safe environment, said: “Online dating scammers are heartless. They are happy to exploit people’s emotions for their own gain.

“Never, ever send money or reveal your bank details to someone you don’t know, however plausible they may sound. Stop, think, and think again. Ask yourself if this person is who they really say they are.”

Warning signs can include the suggestion that the person has ‘model good looks’, that you can only make contact online and that the person talks about themselves but does not answer specific questions.

To avoid falling for an online dating scam, it is advised to never give out any personal details such as your address or bank account details; be sceptical if a person who is not your usual dating type offline is showing you particular attention online and remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it normally is.

To report a scam, call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or visit consumerdirect.gov.uk.