A MAN in his 60s looking for romance has been the alleged victim of dating fraud, report police.

Officers in West Dunbartonshire have warned the public about internet scams following the recent incident.

They said three people, believed to be from the south of England, have been arrested in connection with the fraud.

Inspector Mo Boyle, from West Dunbartonshire community policing, said although residents might think they've found a perfect partner online, they aren't who they say they are. And once they gain a victim's trust, they ask for money for a variety of emotive reasons.

She said: "Online fraudsters are well rehearsed and often very convincing.

"After registering with a chat room or an internet based dating agency, you receive contact from someone showing an interest in you.

"They may tell you they are abroad or sometimes they will say they are in the same country as you.

“Gradually, quite often over an extended period of time, you develop a long-distance

relationship through email, phone, text or other applications.

"After building your trust they will tell you about a problem they are experiencing and ask you to help out by sending them money.

“To stay safe online avoid posting personal details, never respond to requests to send

money or have funds transferred to your account, never reveal your bank details.

"Above all trust your instincts, if something doesn’t seem right, it possibly isn’t.”

For more information about dating fraud and protecting yourself from online scams visit actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/dating-fraud.

Anyone who thinks they may be the victim of a fraud should call police on 101.