March 13, 2024

March is Fraud Prevention Month — Romance Scams

Throughout the month of March the Grey Bruce OPP will be focusing on the most common frauds being reported.

The Grey Bruce OPP is seeing an increase in the number of calls for service regarding the romance scams.

The criminals seek potential victims online, generally single, or recently unattached people. Usually, this form of mass marketing fraud occurs through singles and dating-related 'meet' websites, social media platforms, or e-mail blasts. In some cases, prolonged interaction with individuals has cost some victims tens of thousands of dollars before the 'relationship' ends, usually without ever meeting in person. Although 95 per cent of all types of fraud are not reported, romance scams cause victims severe financial hardship and personal embarrassment, which inhibits their decision to report the crime.

Tips to Avoid Being a Victim of a Romance / Dating Scam include:

• Don't give out any personal information in an email or when you are chatting online. Educate yourself. Check the person's name, the company name, and the addresses used.
• Ask yourself - 'Would someone I have never met really declare their love for me after only a few letters or emails?' If the answer is no, report it to police.
• Never send money or give personal credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust. A request to send money to a foreign country to someone you have never personally met should be a red flag.
• Checking website addresses carefully. Scammers often set up fake websites with addresses that are very similar to legitimate dating websites.

If you or someone you know may have been the victim of a romance scam, contact your local police service or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

FRAUD…Recognize it…Report it…Stop it.

For more information about how romance scams work, visit Anatomy of a romance scam.

 

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