A Huron Kinloss resident lost over $6,500 in a romance scam. South Bruce OPP were called about a fraud report on Friday.
Police warn residents that tech-savvy scammers use technology to create very convincing schemes to trick you into sending them money.
Police report that the romance scam typically starts online through email or a social media platform, the casual conversation quickly becomes deeply affectionate in an effort to get your money. Scammers will commonly use the name of a real company in order to gain your trust so that you will send money or personal information to them. They will also toy with your emotions by posting cute pet pictures or pretending to have a romantic interest in you in order to take your money.
Your best defence against fraud is to always verify an unsolicited contact. Unsolicited means that you didn't ask for it. Fraud is a multi-million dollar enterprise that will only end when they stop making money. Anyone interested in more information on fraud can contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-850.