Love or lies? OPP warns about romance scams on the rise with victims losing thousands

Romance scams are on the rise, OPP says. (doomu / shutterstock.com)

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, provincial police warn the public not to get bitten by fraud disguised as romance.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) report an increase in the number of calls for service concerning romance scams.

Police say scammers target single or recently unattached victims online. They add scammers will go as far as developing “prolonged interactions with individuals.”

Authorities say some of these interactions have cost victims tens of thousands of dollars before an in-person meeting ever happens and the relationship ends.

Police say 95 per cent of scams aren’t reported to the authorities.

“Romance scams cause victims severe financial hardship and personal embarrassment, which inhibits their decision to report the crime," OPP stated in a release.

Avoid Becoming a Victim

Police recommend never giving out any personal information in an email or online, including in an online chat.

“Educate yourself. Check the person’s name, the company name, and the addresses used," OPP stated. "Ask yourself, ‘Would someone I have never met really declare their love for me after only a few letters or emails?’ If the answer is no, report it to police."

The service also says to never send money or give credit card or online banking account details to anyone you don’t know or trust.

“A request to send money to a foreign country to someone you have never personally met should be a red flag,” OPP added.

Check websites thoroughly to ensure they aren’t fake. Police say scammers will set up phoney websites that can appear legitimate.

Anyone who knows someone or who has been a victim of a romance scam is urged to contact the authorities or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous.