RCMP warn public about internet romance scams

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Red Deer RCMP are warning the public to be aware of Internet Romance Scams. An Internet Romance Scam is when a victim is contacted by someone online through various social media or a legitimate dating website. The victim and the scammer begin an online relationship where the scammer lures the victim with pictures, hardships, promises and claims of love. Eventually the scammer will ask for help, for various reasons, which involves the victim sending money to the scammer. After the scammer gets all the money they can from the victim, the scammer drops all communication, leaving the victim dumbfounded, hurt, confused and out of a lot of money, which is rarely recovered.


In Red Deer there have been 2 confirmed victims of Internet Romance Scams in the last 6 months for a estimated monetary loss of $40,000. RCMP believe that there are several other victims who maybe to embarrassed to report this type of crime to police.

In 2010, in Canada, there were 911 reported cases of Internet Romance Scams reported, for a total monetary loss of $6,877,536.97.

The following are some ways to avoid being a victim of an Internet Romance Scam:

• Check website addresses carefully. Scammers often set up fake websites with very similar addresses to legitimate dating websites.
• Never send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust.
• Don’t give out any personal information in an email or when chatting online.
• Make sure you only use legitimate and reputable dating websites.
• Ask yourself, would someone I have never met really declare their love for me after only a few emails or letters?

 If you think you or someone you know has been a victim of an Internet Romance Scam or any other type of Fraud please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center 1-888-495-8501 or www.antifraudcenter.ca. Recognize It, Report It, Stop It.

If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.8477 or report it online at www.tipsubmit.com.  If the information leads to an arrest, tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.