Resident loses more than $68,000 to romance scam

A Norfolk County resident lost more than $68,000 to a romance scam, Norfolk OPP say.

Provincial police say they were contacted by the resident on March 14. Upon further investigation, police learned the victim had been defrauded of more than $68,000 after becoming involved in an online relationship in March 2022, police say

The victim and the fraudster puts on a dating website. Several e-mails were exchanged before the communication moved to a mobile messenger application.

The communication included several details of the suspect’s history and employment status when a request was made to assist with a project outside the country. The victim then transferred more $68,000 through wire transfers, police say.

A second request was made for more money but no funds were forwarded. The victim then recognized the scam and contacted police.

“Knowledge is power,” Const. Ed Sanchuk, of the Norfolk OPP, said. “If you want to stay on top of scams, inform yourself on how to recognize the various types of scams and protect your personal information by visiting law enforcement organizations’ websites, such as opp.ca, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center (www. antifraudcentre.ca) or other reputable organizations.”

All consumers, – regardless of age and gender – can take basic steps to better protect themselves from becoming victims of fraud, such as never giving out personal information over the phone, the internet or through social media/dating websites, Sanchuk said.

“Always get independent advice – from family members, a trusted friend or advisor — if any offers involve money, personal information, time or commitment,” Sanchuk said.

Following are tips to avoid being a victim of a romance or dating scam:

– Check website addresses carefully. Scammers often set up fake websites with very similar addresses to legitimate dating websites. Make sure you only use legitimate and reputable dating websites.

– Never send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust. A request to send money to a foreign country (using wire transfers) to this person you have never personally met should be a red flag.

– Don’t give out any personal information in an email or when you are chatting online. Like any scam, use your computer to your advantage. Educate yourself. Check the person’s name, the company name the addresses used, and ask yourself, “Would this be normal?”

– Ask yourself – “Would someone I have never met really declare their love for me after only a few letters or emails?”

“It’s not always easy to spot scams, and new ones are invented every day,” Sanchuk said.

For more information on fraud, call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center at 1-888-495-8501 or http://www.antifraudcentre.ca.

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