Online dating? Don’t fall for a romance scam

A person is holding a cell phone in this undated file image. (FILE IMAGE)

As a part of Fraud Prevention Month, Barrie police are alerting the public of how to spot red flags when looking for love online.

Romance scams are alive and well, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds with the people losing out emotionally and financially as a result.

Police say romance scams happen when someone makes a fake online identity, often building trust with the end goal to steal money.

Grooming tactics

Most romance scams start on dating apps, social media or online forums, according to police. There are also some that start on email or messaging apps.

Police say fraudsters will take weeks or months to build a connection, often giving off the impression of being attentive, affectionate and keen to move the relationship forward fast without actually meeting in person.

The scammer will make excuses for not being able to meet up like they live or work far away. They’ll use reasons like they work in military service or overseas that create travel restrictions.

Financial requests

Authorities say once the trust is there, the fraudster will ask for money. They will use manipulation tactics like giving different reasons for needing the money like emergencies, investment opportunities, medical expenses, travel costs or temporary financial hardship.

Police say scammers will usually request the money through methods that are hard to trace or recover like gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or online payment platforms.

The fraudsters will also try to alienate their victims, requesting them to refrain from telling friends or family about the relationship or the ask for financial help.

Warning signs

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre warns of profiles that seem too perfect.

Police say scammers will express their undying love fairly early in the relationship. They will also say no to video chats or meeting in person with stories that are inconsistent and use pressure to send money fast.

They will often ask for different forms of documentation containing personal information like copies of ID, banking details or login credentials.

How to protect yourself

Police say it is important to proceed with caution when communicating with people you’ve never met in real life.

Officials say to not send money to people you only know from online and to be skeptical of any financial request.

They also recommend communicating with friends and family about budding online relationships, gaining an outsider’s perspective who could potentially spot red flags.

Reporting

“If you suspect you may be a target of fraud, or if you have already sent funds, don’t be embarrassed – you’re not alone,” Barrie police say in a release.

If you have lost money through fraud, call the Barrie Police Service Fraud Unit at 705-725-7025 or there is the option to report it online.

If you want to report fraud, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.