Norfolk resident lost more than $200K through an online relationship scam, police say | #datingscams | #russianliovescams | #lovescams

Provincial police in Norfolk County are reminding residents to guard themselves against online scams after someone lost more than $200,000 to a person they thought cared about them.

OPP said the victim contacted them on Feb. 25 to report being defrauded of hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past year.

The person began an online relationship, police say, and shared several calls and emails with the suspect about their employment status and history.

“During the course of this correspondence, several requests were made for funds after the suspect claimed that they were having several emergencies and requested money,” investigators stated in a media release.

“Ask yourself, ‘would someone I have never met declare their love for me after only a few letters, emails or phone calls?'” OPP asked in a post on Twitter.

Police are investigating and cautioning people to never give out personal information on the internet, over the phone or on social media and dating sites.

They urge anyone who has received a request for money, time or personal details to speak about it with family, friends or someone they trust.

Here are some tips from the OPP to avoid romance scams:

• Take a close look at website addresses, as scammers often set up fake web sites that have addresses that are similar to legitimate sites. Only use reputable dating sites.
• Never send money, share credit card information or online account details to anyone you don’t know or trust. If someone you’ve never met in person requests an e-transfer or money transfer to a foreign country, that is a red flag.
• Do not share personal details when chatting online. Use your computer to educate yourself on who you’re talking to. Search their name, company, email address and ask yourself, “would this be normal?”

More information on how to prevent fraud can be found on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.