THINK ABOUT “DATING AND ROMANCE” SCAMS

Grey County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning all citizens to beware of online fraudsters engaged in “Dating and Romance” scams.  “Dating and Romance” scams have a profound impact on victims, both emotionally and financially.

Fraudsters have shown their willingness to invest time into forming false relationships with unsuspecting victims in order to gain their trust and steal their money.

Fraudsters steal photos online and use dating sites and social media to lure victims into sending money for various reasons.

Fraudsters may send you small enticing gifts to prove they are genuine.  They may express a desire to meet you in person even though they are usually a long distance away; possibly even another country.  Having gained the victim’s trust, the fraudster may ask you for flight money to visit, or claim to have a personal emergency in which they will ask you to send money.  Sometimes they don’t ask, the victim simply feels compelled to send the money because they believe they have a trusting relationship.

Prevent being victimized by the “Romance and Dating” scam by following some simple tips:

• Be suspicious of anyone who professes their love to you quickly over the internet.

• Never, under any circumstances, send money for any reason.

• Be careful of suspects working overseas, as this provides numerous reasons for them to ask for money.

• If you receive a “pay cheque” or any other means of payment from the suspect, who asks you to cash it and return the outstanding portion of the funds, don’t do it. It’s likely a counterfeit cheque and you’ll be responsible for any bank fees that result.

To learn more about this and other scams, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre web site at www.antifraudcentre.ca. If you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, contact your local police service or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

Source: Media Release