The Perth County OPP is reminding everyone on Valentine’s Day of romance scammers.
The OPP and their law enforcement partners continue to see the devastating effects associated with romance frauds, from financial losses to significant mental health trauma.
Last year romance fraud victims in Canada lost $59 million dollars.
Ontario was $20 million of that. Scammers prey on victims looking for a partner, companion or love interest.
Random texting is also becoming common.
Police provide tips to protect yourself from Romance scammers.
How to protect yourself?
- Don’t give out your personal information
- (name, address, DOB, SIN, banking credentials).
- Don’t accept friend requests from people you do not know.
- Don’t invest your money in platforms provided by people you don’t know.
- Be careful who you share images with.
- Suspects will often use explicit pictures to extort victims into sending more money.
- Protect your online accounts.
- Never send money to someone you haven’t met.
- Don’t respond to text messages from phone numbers you do not recognize.
- Learn more tips and tricks for protecting yourself.