Police stop scam victim selling home to 'wed' actor
Getty ImagesA Cambridge woman has been stopped from selling her home after an estate agent and police realised she was being scammed when she spoke of plans to move to the US to "marry" S.W.A.T. actor Jay Harrington.
Cambridgeshire Police said it was alerted by the agent on 11 March after they raised concerns she could "lose everything" if she transferred the funds.
Cyber and fraud preventions officers found she had sent about £150,000 to addresses in the UK and US over a number of years, and had even bought a wedding dress for the fake occasion made up by an online fraudster.
The force said "safeguarding measures" had been put in place and warned people to spot the signs of romance fraud.
"Sadly, romance scams are an all too common occurrence, with scammers targeting the most vulnerable in society," said Cambridgeshire Police.
On its website detailing how to spot a romance scam, the force said: "Criminals lie to gain your trust and build a relationship with you. They make everything about the romance feel normal but their aim is to get money or personal information."
It added that "if you're suspicious of someone, tell a friend or family member" and do not transfer over any money.
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