Police send out reminder of online romance scams this Valentine’s Day

Police are warning people to be careful about romance scams as fraudsters search for unsuspecting victims, especially around Valentine’s Day.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says that scams can happen to anyone at any time, but they’re reminding people to be hyper vigilant around February’s day of love.

Scammers typically target victims on social media and online dating sites, attempting to gain someone’s trust for the sole purpose of stealing their money.

The anti-fraud centre says this type of fraud relies heavily on victims’ emotions, and the scam can last for months or even years.

Love is in the air! And so are romance scams. Every year around Valentine’s Day, fraudsters are on the look-out for unsuspecting victims. For more on romance scams:https://t.co/6L0XeRuBur #kNOwfraud #showmetheFRAUD #BeScamSmart pic.twitter.com/qD9ENo1aPE

— Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (@canantifraud) February 12, 2024

Scammers create a fake identity and pretend to have romantic feelings for the victim. Once they’ve gained their trust, they typically fake a scenario where they need money fast.

Last year alone, 770 Canadians were scammed out of more than $41 million with scams like this, and 25 per cent of those victims were between the ages of 60 to 69.

Just this January, Ontario Provincial Police in Norfolk County shared a case where a victim was defrauded of more than $400,000 through an online romance scam on Facebook.

READ MORE: Norfolk County resident defrauded over $200K to ‘romance scam’

Warning signs to look out for include dating profiles that look too perfect, someone professing their love before meeting in person, and someone who is always making excuses to not meet in person.

Police encourage you to protect yourself by not giving out personal information and never sending money to someone you haven’t met. If you have been a victim of a scam like this, be sure to contact police.