Be skeptical ahead of Valentine’s Day warns Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – If you have met a potential significant other online and they’re asking you for money, don’t hand over a cent.

That warning comes just ahead of Valentine’s Day from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, which say 760 people across the country claim to have lost a total of more than $22.5 million last year.

Jessica Gunson with the centre says in terms of dollars lost, it beats out all other types of fraud.

“We know of victims that have maxed out credit cards; obtained a line of credit; borrowed from family, friends, or neighbours. All because they are so invested and the feelings they have are genuine,” she said.

“Victims will often report that it’s not just one payment or one transaction that they’ve dealt with. We know that victims are, in many cases, speaking with a suspect for weeks or months. The scammers will develop a rapport. They want to make a connection. They want that potential victim to feel very secure that this is a real relationship — that they’re going to be together.”

She says there are some red flags to keep an eye out for if you are using an online site to find love.

“Number one, if you’re talking with someone and they claim to be from your location but they’re working overseas. That’s a red flag,” Gunson said.

“There will be a request for money [because of] problems cashing a paycheque — they may even send a cheque and ask you to cash it, which is counterfeit. They will claim that they’re on the way to the airport but they were in an accident. They may claim that they have a sick child or a sick relative and they need to pay hospital or ambulance bills.”

She adds to be cautious when someone you’ve never actually met declares their love.

“They feel like they know this person. They feel that this is going to be something they’re going to be with, that they’re going to live happily ever after. That person on the other end of the computer or email or text message, their sole purpose in communicating with them is to steal their money.”

Gunson says after one successful attempt, the scammer will often try to get more money out of you. “Then it snowballs. There’s always something else. Eventually, the victim gets to a point where there’s no more money that can be sent. That has been reported to us here.”

She says dating sites can be great, but the bottom line is should never send money.

“The second anyone asks you for even a single cent to be sent to them, right there that’s pretty much your 100 per cent proof that you’re dealing with a scammer.”

If you’ve been scammed, call your bank and the police. You should also file a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

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