The OPP is reminding residents of Midwestern Ontario to avoid "dating and romance scams."
The Huron OPP says online fraudsters can drain their victims financially and emotionally. Suspects will invest time forming a false relationship to gain a persons trust, before they start to ask for money. Scammers can also easily steal online photos and use dating sites or social media to lure their prey.
In 2014, the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre had over 1,400 complaints of romance fraud. 998 victims lost a total of $13.9-million.
Scammers may event send you small gifts, and express a desire to meet you in person, if you sent them money for the flight.
Police say beware of anyone who professes their love quickly, and don't cash any cheques form the suspect and return outstanding portions of the funds, because it's likely a counterfeit cheque.
Other questions to ask:
- Has your friend, neighbour, relative been worried and distressed about a loved one?
- Are they talking about a good friend or loved one in another country that is coming to visit or needs help?
- Do they talk about Western Union or Moneygram?
- Have they been frequenting the bank more often?
- Have they been making unusual withdrawals both in amounts and frequency?
- Have they sent large dollar wire transfers to countries in Africa, Asia or Eastern Europe?