For immediate release
Scammers are looking to steal more than your heart
Athabasca, Alta.
- Heartbreak isn’t the only risk you face when meeting someone online.
Although online dating is a popular, and often successful, way to make a
love connection, it is important to also be aware of potential dangers
that may come with it.
Over
the past few years, there has been a significant increase in online
dating scams. Scammers convince their victims that they are in love with
them and persuade them into sending large sums of money for a variety
of invented reasons. Most commonly, the scammer will make up an
emergency, often health related, that concerns either themselves or a
family member.
Since
the beginning of this year, 56 individuals have reported being victims
of romance scams in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions. This accounts for a
total net loss of over 3.6 million dollars. Romance scams are typically
under-reported due to the substantial embarrassment often felt by
victims. This means that it is likely that the number of victims and
losses is much greater that what is actually being reported.
Here are some red flags to watch out for from someone you meet online:
· Claiming to be from your area but is living or travelling abroad. (Get Cyber Safe)
· Expressing strong feelings for you after very little time. (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)
· Saying they can’t meet in person due to a tragic event. (Get Cyber Safe)
· Making plans to meet but then coming up with excuses at the last minute.
· Asking you for financial help, regardless of circumstance.
The
Alberta RCMP remind everyone to always exercise caution when looking
for love online. It is hard enough to judge others’ intentions in person
– online it is even harder. Take the necessary steps to protect
yourself and, most importantly, never send money to anyone you meet
online.
- Report it to your local police.
- Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 1-888-495-8501 or report online at http://www.antifraudcentre.ca.
