With the coming of Valentine’s Day, many people are looking to show their affection for another by sending cards, flowers, or chocolates with messages of love. Unfortunately, it’s also becoming a day that scammers look forward to in order to separate you from your money.
Sargeant John Armit from the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre and OPP says romance frauds are something that happen regularly, not just on Valentine’s Day.
Armit adds that often times, these scams rely on trust between the scammer and victim, which is built through seemingly casual conversations.
Armit adds that if you’re talking to someone you’ve just met online, there’s a few red flags you should look for that could tip you off it’s a scam.
He says roughly 10% of romance scams get reported to the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre, which last year resulted in over $50-million reported.
If you think you’ve been the victim of a romance fraud, or any type of scam, it can be reported here: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca)
This Valentine’s Day, be vigilant of new relationships and those that ask for too much, too soon, in the name of love.
(Written by: Matt Latour)
