With Valentine's Day approaching, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is raising awareness about romance fraud, which continues to cause significant emotional and financial harm to Canadians.
In 2024, Canadians reported losing over $58.4 million to romance fraud and $310 million to investment fraud, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), an OPP news release said. Increasingly, romance fraud involves or leads to cryptocurrency investment schemes, which can [substantially] increase victims' financial losses.
Those behind these schemes are increasingly using sophisticated tactics, including artificial intelligence to manipulate victims with fake voices and images, police said.
"Bad faith actors establish trust and emotional intimacy through fake profiles on social media, dating platforms and other online channels. Once trust is gained, victims are pressured into sending money or investing in fraudulent business ventures," police said.
How the schemes work
Romance schemes often begin through fake profiles or unsolicited messages on dating apps, social media or email. Once trust is established, those behind the schemes often make the following requests for:
- Money for travel, medical emergencies or family assistance, often claiming urgency
- Help receiving money, potentially leading the victim to unknowingly participate in criminal money laundering
- Participation in a business venture, such as registering a business or opening a bank account
- Cryptocurrency investments, where bad faith actors persuade victims to transfer funds through cryptocurrency ATMs or online platforms.
Red flags
Romance schemes often can be identified when:
- Someone you've never met in person declares their love early in the relationship
- The bad actor quickly wants to move the conversation to a private or alternate communication platform such as a messaging app or email
- They consistently provide excuses to avoid meeting in person, often claiming to work overseas
- The message is poorly written or oddly worded, or sometimes addresses you with the wrong name
- The bad actor acts distressed or angry to pressure you into sending money, often under the pretense of an emergency
- They discourage you from discussing the relationship with friends or family, attempting to isolate you from those who might raise concerns.
Reporting fraud
If you suspect fraud, contact:
- Your local police
- OPP at 1-888-310-1122
- Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre via the online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501
- For more CAFC resources, visit: What to do if you're a victim of fraud
