Online Romance/Dating Scam Artists steal Hearts, then Money !

Today the FBI announced indictments in a massive money laundering scheme.  They stated about 50% of the cases were online Romance Scams.

By Definition; A romance scam is a confidence trick involving feigning romantic intentions towards a victim, gaining their affection, and then using that goodwill to commit fraud.

Scammers take advantage of people looking for romantic partners, often via dating websites, apps, social media and yes, even Facebook by pretending to be prospective companions.  Peppering their pray with endearments avoiding face to face connection because of an “invisible love interest” ; making this fraud easier to commit.  But can algorithm really determine if 2 strangers could be soulmates?  Research proves , NO !

Here are a few warning signs of an online dating scam;

• Professes love quickly, and commonly use the alias of being a doctor or a widower.  They also tell you to keep your romance secret from others.
• Claims to be from US or Canada but is overseas for business or military service
• Manipulates you over and over for money, and lures you off the dating site.  If someone asks you to get a gift card, don’t do it.
• Claims to need money – for emergencies, hospital bills, or travel and plans to visit you, but can’t because of an emergency.

What really matters is it’s being done, and part of it is knowing the law and whether you live in a romance scam hotspot.  Police never call to ask you for money and banks never text you either.  The reported loss from victims of romance scams in Canada was just under $25 million in 2018, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and together with the U.S has lost nearly $1 billion over the last three years.  

So, how should you approach online dating if you want to meet someone?

• Limit yourself to a reasonable number of candidates in a set time period.
• Don’t put too much emphasis on people who seem most desirable on paper. Keep an open mind.
• Emphasize what’s important to you, not what others say is important.
• Craft your profile carefully, highlighting what sets you apart.
• Or consider using a matchmaking service which will personally verify, verify, verify on your behalf

Watch how a BC Woman lost her sister to a romance scam and is hoping her story  and us sharing will prevent other tragedies.  https://globalnews.ca/news/5095659/romance-scam-money/

To report a Romance Scam in Canada file a report with your local police department and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre : http://www.antifraudcentre.ca/reportincident-signalerincident/index-eng.htm