Strathcona County Victim Services and Strathcona County RCMP are offering “hug kits” to victims of romance scams. Starting Monday, when a romance or other type of fraud involving a romantic relationship is reported to Strathcona RCMP, the victim will be offered a hug kit provided by The Unbreaking Project, which contain a blanket as a symbol of comfort and compassion, fraud recovery information, and resources and messages of support for survivors. “Sometimes the most meaningful support is a simple gesture. Offering a comfort item, like a blanket, can help someone feel safe and cared for during an incredibly difficult time,” Tom Sutton of Victim Services of Strathcona County RCMP and Enforcement Services said in a news release. “For some victims, it may help ease anxiety and provide comfort when they feel isolated, vulnerable and ashamed.” The Unbreaking Project was created in the United States by scam victim Kate Kleinert, Advocating Against Romance Scammers (AARS) and the Center For Combating Elder Financial Abuse, and it is now operating in Canada with Alberta-based fraud prevention educator and victims advocate Julie Matthews. “Fraud prevention has always been a huge part of my work, but we also need to talk about what happens after someone has been victimized,” Matthews said. “Romance scam victims can lose much more than money. They may be grieving a relationship they believed was real while also dealing with shame, isolation and a devastating loss of trust. The Unbreaking Project is a way of showing them that they are not alone.” Mounties say Strathcona County residents have reported losing $265,000 to romance schemes this year as of Sept. 23, but these types of scams are often unreported because people might be embarrassed or may not realize they have been scammed. If you believe you have been the victim of a romance scam, contact your local police and bank as soon as possible. Strathcona County residents can report romance scams by calling the non-emergency line at 780-467-7741 or in person at the Strathcona County RCMP detachment.
