Manitoba RCMP are warning of a scam known as the heartbreak/romance scam.
In this type of scam, police explain, the fraudster will attempt to gain the trust of the victim and in some cases will send gifts to gain their trust. Often online photos are stolen and then dating sites and social media are used to lure potential victims. The fraudster is often in a faraway country and claims to want to meet the potential victim in person.
The fraudster will claim money is an issue and he or she cannot afford to travel to meet the “love of their life” unless monetary assistance is received.
Usually the fraudster is willing to develop the relationship over a long period of time, increasing the trust level before padding the lining of their pockets with the victim’s money.
People can use various ways to protect themselves.
• Be wary of people wanting to develop a quick relationship with you or professing their love when they haven’t met you.
• Never send money for any reason including sob stories.
• Don’t give out personal information to strangers.
• If you receive a “pay cheque” or other form of payment from your
newfound love interest
and they request you to cash it and send them a portion, don’t do it. It’s a counterfeit cheque and you’ll be on the hook for any fees that need to be recovered by the bank.
In 2014, Canadians lost $13,736,678 to this type of scam.
Fraud can be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online at http://www.antifraud centre-centreantifraude.ca/ or 1-888-495-9426 or Email at info@antifraud centre.ca.
