RCMP issue warning after Trail, B.C. woman falls for romance scam

Photo: Colin Dacre

Mounties are issuing a warning after a Trail, B.C. woman fell victim to an online romance scam recently.

A romance scam sees scammer convince a person to enter a virtual online relationship so the scammer can slowly gain the person’s trust and affection.

RCMP said this is usually done through email messages and fake profiles on social media and dating sites with the scammer asking for money once the relationship is well established.

RCMP said some romance scams can operate for months or more in order to make it seem more legitimate.

"In this particular case, a scammer developed a relationship with the woman then asked her to purchase gift cards from a local store," RCMP said said in a news release Tuesday.

"The victim sent the gift card information electronically to the scammer. The scammer cashed in the gift cards which resulted in the woman losing a significant amount of money. The money is not recoverable."

RCMP said the romance scam is rising in popularity, and deploys sophisticated tactics against people looking for a relationship.

The scammer may ask you:

• For money for travel, a medical emergency or family assistance — making it seem urgent or like an emergency
• To receive money for them — by doing so you might unknowingly be committing a crime
• To join a business venture with them
• To invest in cryptocurrency

Look out for these red flags and be suspicious:

• When someone you haven’t met in person professes their love to you
• If the person wants to quickly move to a private or different mode of communication (email, text, Whatsapp, Google Hangouts etc.)
• If they always have an excuse not to meet in person
• If you receive poorly/oddly written messages, sometimes even addressing you by the wrong name
• If the individual claims to live close to you but is working overseas
• If they act distressed or angry to guilt you into sending money
• If the individual discourages you from discussing them or their situation with your friends and family (attempting to isolate you from those who may be suspicious of the relationship)

RCMP said fraud is a multibillion dollar business worldwide.

"The best way to prevent fraud is to learn about how it works and how to avoid becoming a victim," says Sgt. Mike Wicentowich.

"Everyone is a potential target."