(Dufferin County, ON) One of the fastest growing and most devastating fraud schemes in Canada is perpetrated through romance scams, according to members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Rackets Branch.
The romance scam has been around for decades. However, with the prominence of the internet and online dating sites being commonly advertised, it has opened up a large audience for scammers seeking vulnerable people wanting a relationship.
It makes the scammer’s life easier because he or she can direct their efforts at building a friendship right away and not have to worry about finding the potential victim who is seeking a relationship.
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), in 2012 there were 1,460 complaints from Canada of romance fraud. Of those, 1,047 victims were identified and their combined financial losses exceeded $14.8 million – more than any other identified financial loss due to fraud. Almost 70 per cent of all victims were in their 40s and 50s.
Single or recently unattached people – often female – are the victims of criminals who initially approach their targets online. Usually this occurs through e-mail blasts, social media platforms, or singles and dating-related ‘meet’ websites. In some cases, prolonged interaction with individuals has cost some victims tens of thousands of dollars before the relationship ends – usually after the culprit gets what they want.
Police add all fraud is under-reported. However, the romance scam not only affects a person financially, it is an emotional roller coaster. Therefore, a victim is dealing with emotional and financial losses leading to the crime being under-reported.
If you suspect you or someone you know has been a victim of romance fraud, or if you have already sent funds, don't be embarrassed - you're not alone. Contact your local police service or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
For public safety tips residents may check out the OPP web-site at www.opp.ca.
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