Ontario Provincial Police LogoThe South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police is sending another warning about scams after a report of a successful scam from a resident in the Municipality of Brockton. The romance scam typically starts as an online relationship that quickly turns into a romance. Before long, the requests for money start and this time the con artist was able to get a series of payments that totalled $42,000.

Modern, tech-savvy scammers have the ability to create very convincing scams. They won't hesitate to use the name of a legitimate company in an effort to gain your trust and trick you into paying them.

Always be cautious with unsolicited emails, phone calls, letters, even visitors at your door. Unsolicited means that you didn't ask for it. Always be certain who you are dealing with before you ever consider sending money or sharing personal information.

There is no magic to prevent fraud. If it seems too good to be true it likely is and you can't win a lottery or contest that you didn't enter in the first place. You work hard for your money, so work just as hard to protect it. Don't pay the con artist.

Anyone interested in more information on fraud can contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1 888 495 8501 or check online at http://www.antifraudcentre.ca/.

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information that can assist police to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

source: media release, South Bruce OPP