POLICE have launched a campaign to raise awareness of 'romance fraud.'

Such crimes involve con artists wooing their victims, often through dating websites, before convincing them to hand over cash.

In some cases, those who are looking for love have handed over tens of thousands of pounds before they realise the 'romance' was never real.

Officers say such crimes are largely unreported, due to victims feeling embarrassed or that it might have been their fault.

Their advice to East Renfrewshire residents includes never sharing or exchanging personal information which can be used by fraudsters to obtain credit.

People are also being urged never to send money or bank details to someone they have met online.

A police spokesperson said: "Criminals can be extremely convincing and they prey on people who are emotionally vulnerable, particularly online.

"It can be easy to get caught up with the attention you receive but it's important to stop and think if a stranger's actions are genuine."