February 14, 2025
Just in time for the big day on Friday, Ontario Provincial Police are reminding the public that scammers may create fake online identities to gain victims’ trust for financial gain. These are the warning signs you need to know.
It’s a time to celebrate love and companionship. But for victims of romance scams, Valentine’s Day can trigger financial heartache.
Just last week, Peel police said a “prolific offender” claiming to be an overseas military member duped nearly a dozen people across Canada into sending him $275,000 to help with the “transition” of returning home after a deployment.
Police are searching for a 30-year-old man who is wanted on an outstanding warrant in an alleged romance scam that targeted 11 people.
In a Feb. 10 news release, OPP said romance fraud continues to cause significant emotional and financial harm.
Last year, Canadians reported losing more than $58.4 million to romance fraud and $310 million to investment fraud, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). Romance fraud is sometimes linked to cryptocurrency investment schemes, which can increase victims’ financial losses.
Jeff Horncastle, CAFC’s acting client and communications outreach officer, said these frauds can also be coupled with investment scams, in cases where the victim develops a relationship with the suspect and invests in a fraudulent investment scheme.
“Romance scams begin with a fake identity that lures victims into a web of lies,” Horncastle noted.
OPP notes those perpetuating these schemes are using increasingly sophisticated tactics, including artificial intelligence, to manipulate victims with fake voices and images.
“Bad faith actors establish trust and emotional intimacy through fake profiles on social media, dating platforms and other online channels. Once trust is gained, victims are pressured into sending money or investing in fraudulent business ventures,” OPP warn.
How they work
Romance schemes may begin through fake profiles or unsolicited messages on dating apps, social media or email. Once trust is established, a scammer may request money for travel expenses or help receiving money, which can lead the victim to unknowingly participate in money laundering.
The victim may also be approached to join a business venture or the scammer could convince the victim to invest in a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme through an ATM or online platform.
Red flags
- If a person you’ve never met declares their love for you early on in the relationship, approach the situation with caution.
- If the person wants to move the conversation to a private or alternate communication platform, such as a messaging app or email, that’s another warning sign.
- A romance scammer may also provide excuses to avoid meeting in person, while claiming to work overseas.
- Watch for messages that are poorly written or oddly worded, or messages that address you by the wrong name.
- If the person pressures you to send money under the pretense of an emergency and discourages you from discussing the relationship with friends and family, it could be a scam.
Reporting fraud
If you suspect fraud, contact your local police or OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Report tips anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre offers an online reporting system, or call the centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Courtesy of Inside Halton – February 13, 2025
