Romance scams affect people of all ages and backgrounds, often leaving victims emotionally and financially harmed. These scams typically occur when someone creates a fake online identity to form a relationship with the goal of gaining trust and, eventually, money or personal information.
Grooming Tactics
Romance scams most commonly begin on dating apps, social media platforms, or online forums, but they can also start through email or messaging apps.
Scammers often spend weeks or even months building a connection. They may appear attentive, affectionate, and eager to move the relationship forward quickly.
In many cases, the scammer will avoid meeting in person and may claim to live or work far away, often citing reasons such as military service, overseas employment, or travel restrictions.
Financial Requests
Once trust has been established, requests for money usually follow. These requests can be framed as emergencies, investment opportunities, medical expenses, travel costs, or temporary financial hardship.
Scammers may ask for payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or online payment platforms, methods that are difficult to trace or recover.
Requests for secrecy are also common, with victims encouraged not to tell friends or family about the relationship or financial assistance.
Red Flags
There are several warning signs that may indicate a romance scam.
These include someone professing strong feelings very early in the relationship, reluctance or refusal to video chat or meet in person, stories that contain inconsistencies, or pressure to send money quickly.
Requests for personal information, such as copies of identification, banking details, or login credentials, should also raise concern.
Protect Yourself
To protect yourself, it is important to be cautious when interacting with people you have not met in person.
Take time to verify identities, be skeptical of urgent financial requests, and avoid sending money or personal information to someone you only know online.
Talking openly with trusted friends or family members about new online relationships can also help provide perspective and identify red flags.
Report It
If you suspect you may be a target of fraud, or if you have already sent funds, don’t be embarrassed – you’re not alone.
If you have lost money through fraud, you can call the Barrie Police Service Fraud Unit at 705-725-7025, or report online.
If you want to report an attempted fraud, or if you need more information, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
