Dating app-related crimes reported in Wrexham and Flintshire

Freedom of Information data obtained by the Leader reveals the number and type of such offences reported from the beginning of 2017 to date.

There were 73 offences with connections to named or unnamed dating sites or services during that time period, 52 of which related to fraud - with the remaining 21 comprising a variety of different offences.

Reported incidents across all of the figures include: Rape, sexual assault, assault, harassment, blackmail, malicious communications and various frauds.

A person using a mobile phone. Image: Pixabay (Image: CANVA)

Tinder was one of the named services in the data - what has the company said about the figures and its safety measures?

A spokeswoman for Tinder's parent company Match Group explained a lot of work has been undertaken to bolster security and safety features on the service, adding: "Everyone has the right to date freely and safely, and we recognize the role we have to make dating safer.

"At Match Group, we are focused on leveraging technology and building practices that are helping push the industry forward that aim to help keep communities safe around the globe.”

The spokeswoman said the company regularly educates users on safe dating tips and tells users never to send money to someone they haven't met in person.

"If anyone on our app receives a request for money," they added, "we ask them to immediately report that individual so we can take action.

READ MORE: 24 hours in Wrexham: Guitar and car among items stolen during burglaries

"We encourage users to be vague and avoid providing personal details, such as financial information to their matches.

"We also encourage users to only provide their phone numbers when they feel comfortable and remind them to take their time when moving conversations off the app.

"For example, on Tinder users will also see a popup when they share contact information warning them against potential scams. This information is always available to them, alongside other resources and support organizations, in Tinder's Safety Center.

"Match Group has also created the industry first law enforcement portal with a dedicated team to respond to requests for information from law enforcement and provide information to them during an investigation.

"Earlier this year we partnered with NO MORE to tap into their global expertise to bring awareness and enhance these issues around the globe.

"In 2018 we created the Match Group Advisory Council (MGAC), a group of leading experts and advocates involved in the study and prevention of sexual assault, sex trafficking, abuse, harassment, and similar issues."

On Tinder, the key safety features include photo verification, an interactive safety centre, reporting and anti-harassment prompts with 'Are You Sure?'

What does North Wales Police recommend?

A spokesman for the force said: "Online romance fraud is becoming more and more prevalent, and we suspect in reality, the cases reported to us are just the ‘tip of the iceberg’.

"Dating or romance fraud not only impacts victims financially but also emotionally and, in many cases, the fraudster has been part of the victims lives for a considerable amount of time.

"Victims are groomed, manipulated and isolated from friends and family and are convinced that they are in a trusting, loving relationship.

"Offenders often try to move the contact away from legitimate dating sites as soon as possible, saying that they want their relationship to be private, whilst making the victim feel secure.

"In fact, this prevents dating sites and family members from identifying the fraud and stepping in to help.

READ MORE: Focus on Llantysilio and Ruabon Mountains in Arson Prevention Campaign

"Once the fraud comes to light victims often blame themselves, feel ashamed and experience a range of emotions, including a loss of confidence, low self-esteem and loneliness.

"As a force, we have a dedicated team of specialist officers who not only investigate this type of crime, but support the victims who often find it difficult to report what has happened.

"Anyone affected by this type of incident is always encouraged to report romance fraud to the dating sites directly, as well as to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040."

Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin (Image: OPCC)

Commissioner says offences are "under-reported"

Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, said: "Cyber and online crime, including that associated with dating sites, is an ever-growing and changing form of criminality and one that I know North Wales Police is committed to dealing with.

"As the technology and the ways we interact with others have changed, so have the ways in which criminals operate.

"Dating sites have grown enormously in popularity in recent years and, as with any area that attracts lots of people, this world is open to exploitation by those who would wish to defraud or do harm to others."

He added: "These kinds of offences are still under-reported nationally and so we need to raise awareness of these crimes. I would urge all victims to come forward so we can act to solve their problems and bring these criminals to justice.”

Tips to stay safe from North Wales Police

• Don’t believe everything you are told – fraudsters will create a fake persona to make them appear more attractive and may send picture of themselves but there is no way of knowing what is really true.
• Keep the contact on the dating site for as long as possible.
• Never send money to someone you meet online or accept money into your account on their behalf.
• Talk to friends and family about the person you are in contact with.
• Never send copies of your personal information such as passports or driving licences to someone you meet online.
• Never send images of yourself that you would not want the world to see.
• If you arrange to meet in person, make sure you meet in a safe place, and someone knows where you are.
• Beware of disclosing too much personal information.