In the wake of Valentine’s Day, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is reminding people about the profound financial impact of romance scams.
Fraudsters will often steal photos and use dating sites and social media to lure potential victims into sending them money for various reasons.
Fraudsters are willing to put in the time to develop a relationship to increase the trust level.
Variations of the scam range from money to help arrange a personal visit, or emergency situations requiring money quickly.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is reminding people to be suspicious of quickly developing relationships, and to never, ever send money for any reason.
In 2014 alone, Canadians lost $13.7 million to this type of scam.
