SPECIALIST officers investigating a romance fraud perpetrated against three men have seen a woman charged and put before the courts.

A spokesperson said: “Our Economic Crime Unit carried out lengthy inquiries into reports of a fraud which reportedly involved the use of fake online dating profiles.

The victims told us once a friendly relationship was established and the conversations had progressed, money was then extracted from them under various manipulative pretences.

The total financial loss to the victims ran into five figures.

Our investigation into this matter has been progressing during Operation Henhouse – a national month-long focus on serious fraud.

The National Economic Crime Centre initiative, managed in partnership with City of London Police’s Lead Force Operations Room, provides funding to allow forces to undertake additional operational activity against fraudsters.

As a result of our inquiries, officers made an arrest on Tuesday 25 February.

Charges were subsequently secured against Kerry Gray, 37, of Milwards, Harlow.

She appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 26 February to face three charges of fraud by false representation.

“She admitted each charge and will next appear at the same court on Monday 24 March”.

Detective Constable Georgette Hixon, of our Economic Crime Unit, said:

“It has taken a lot of work to reach the point of a key arrest and charges in this case, which demonstrates our commitment to tackling allegations of romance fraud head on.

“Those who perpetrate frauds of the nature found in this case will not dive in immediately asking for cash.

“They will build trust over a substantial period of time and across many conversations, building a bond or even creating a backstory that might illicit extreme sympathy.

“There are signs you can recognise and steps you can take to protect yourself, but most importantly you must tell us if you think you’ve fallen victim to romance fraud.

“We will listen and we will support you.”

They added: “Our month of activity under Operation Henhouse supports the national Stop! Think Fraud campaign.

The latest fraud stats revealed there have been 202 reports of romance fraud across the county with losses totalling £2.36 million – an average of more than £13,000 per victim.

Nationally, Action Fraud figures showed £99.4m had been lost to romance fraud, however the real figure is likely to be higher due to underreporting.

The UK has the third highest number of dating app users in the world with more than 11 million people looking for love online.

Read more on our website about the warning signs to look out for when meeting potential new love interests online.

If you believe you’ve been a victim of romance fraud, get in touch with us.

“You can also contact Action Fraud – the national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre – by calling 0300 123 2040”.