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OPP Valentine's Day Reminder: Don't Fall Victim to Romance Scams

Tuesday, 14 February 2023 12:30

By Keasha Maile @turtlepowerlive

Romance scams have increased over 40% in Canada in the past year.

Oxford County - Oxford OPP are wishing everyone a Happy Valentines Day... except for Romance Scammers! 

In light of the big love day, police want to remind the public to be careful when meeting new people online. Romance scams have increased over 40% in Canada in the past year. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, romance fraud victims lost over $59 million to fraudsters. Ontario victims represented over $20 million of those losses. 

Romance fraudsters prey on victims looking for companionship. In the digital world, scammers use technology like e-mail messages, social media, online chat groups or dating sites. 

How do you protect yourself? 

  • Don't give out your personal information (name, address, DOB, SIN, banking credentials). 

  • Don't accept friend requests from people you do not know. 

  • Don't invest your money in platforms provided by people you don't know. 

  • Be careful who you share images with. Suspects will often use explicit pictures to extort victims into sending more money. 

  • Protect your online accounts. 

  • Never send money to someone you haven't met. 

  • Don't respond to text messages from phone numbers you do not recognize. 

  • Learn more tips and tricks for protecting yourself. 

If you or know someone fall victim to fraud, contact your local police service to report the crime, even if there was no financial loss. 

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