According to Action Fraud, signs of romance fraud include a person being secretive about their relationship or becoming hostile or angry when asked about their online partner.

They may have sent, or be planning to send, money to someone they have never met in person.

Advice for protecting yourself against scams includes:

- Be suspicious of any requests for money from someone you have never met in person, particularly if you have only recently met online

- Speak to your family or friends to get advice

- Profile photos may not be genuine, so do your research first. Performing a reverse image search using a search engine can help you find photos that have been stolen from somewhere else

Advice for supporting a victim of a scam includes:

- Reassure your loved one you are there for them and it is not their fault

- Improve your own understanding about romance scams

- Remember to look after yourself, too - supporting someone through romance fraud can be tough