Love is in the air, but beware of romance scam

February 12, 2021
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

News release

This Valentine's Day, be wary of potential romance scams.

If you are searching for love online, NT RCMP is asking that you stay vigilant. In 2020 alone, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported Canadians lost over $18.5 million to scammers pretending to be in love.

Scammers will use fake profiles on social media, and through popular dating apps, to gain the trust of their victims over a period of time before stealing from them.

NT RCMP recommends that you recognize the signs in a new online relationship:

  1. The person moves the relationship quickly from initial contact to ''love''.
  2. They claim to live nearby but work out of the country.
  3. They claim to have a good job but ask for financial help.

If you believe you are facing a potential romance scam:

  1. Never send money – requesting money is a telltale sign of a scam.
  2. Never agree to accept and transfer money or goods – this is helping someone to commit fraud and it is illegal.
  3. Never send intimate photos – these open you to blackmail attempts
  4. Never share personal or financial information – it can provide access to your personal computer and accounts.

If you are victim of a scam:

  1. Stop all contact with the alleged scammer.
  2. Contact your financial institution to halt any outstanding payments.
  3. Report the situation to your local detachment with as much information as possible.
  4. File a complaint with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre through their confidential online reporting system or by calling 1-888-495-8501.

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Contact information

Marie York-Condon
Media Relations Officer
Northwest Territories RCMP – Yellowknife, NT

RCMP.NTMedia-NTMedias.GRC@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Follow us on:
Twitter : @RCMPNT @GRC_TNO
Facebook : @rcmpnt @grctno

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