Police have urged anyone who may have been a victim to a romance scam to come forwards.

A romance scam is where a fraudster gains a victim's trust over a number of weeks and months with the end goal of getting money or personal information.

Victims may believe they are in a loving and caring relationship, but they are up against expert impersonators who often spend hours researching their target.

West Yorkshire Police said any potential victims should not feel "ashamed or embarrassed - you are not alone".

In February, Greater Manchester Police said an 83-year-old woman had been duped out of more than £20,000 by a scammer she met while playing Scrabble online.

The Oldham-based victim fell for the fraudster, who posed as a 60-year-old American millionaire widower. 

Anyone who thinks they have fallen for a romance scam should contact their bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk

"If you think you have been a victim of a romance scam, do not feel ashamed or embarrassed - you are not alone," said a spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police's contact centre.

"Contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud."

Alternatively people can find out more by visiting www.westyorkshire.police.uk/advice/fraud-and-financial-crime