Romance scammers are here to steal your money, break your heart and run

Last year, 74 online romance scams were reported to gardaí, with a total of €1.9m taken

Significant under-reporting of romance fraud is suspected by gardaí because victims are too embarrassed or devastated. Photo: Getty Images

Sinéad Ryan

Next Wednesday, many women will excitedly await flowers or chocolates, while others will be hoping their boyfriend becomes their fiancé.

St Valentine’s Day for some though, will mean being glued to their phone, hoping to finally get to see the man they’re desperately in love with, but have never met.