The OPP is urging everyone to keep in mind that scams are a thing. This follows a call on August 2nd from a resident who was scammed $20 thousand dollars in a romance scam.
The victim established an online relationship with a man through a social media website, and a request for funds was made after the suspect claimed several emergencies had taken place.
Several transactions were made over the last year before the victim contacted police.
Tips to help avoid being scammed include:
1) Checking website addresses carefully as scammers often set up a fake website with similar addresses to legitimate sites.
2) Never send money or give account details or credit card details to a person you do not know or trust. Remember a request to send money to a foreign country should be a red flag.
3) Never give out personal information in an email or when chatting online.
4) Ask yourself- Would someone I have never met declare love for me after only a few letters or emails.
To report or learn about scams visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website at www.antifraudcentre.ca or call the CAFC at 1-888-495-8501.
