PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ONLINE DATING SCAMS

From NEWS CANADA

The internet has made it easier for people to connect, share interests and develop relationships. Social media, online classifieds, and dating websites and apps have helped many of us meet new people.

Unfortunately, fraudsters are also using these platforms to create fake dating profiles and lure victims by building an emotional connection to take advantage of them financially.

If you meet someone online but haven’t seen them in person and they begin to ask you for money, it’s likely a scam.

Fraudsters play on your emotions. They may claim to share the same interests as you. They will often ask for your email or phone number so they can contact you regularly. When they have gained your trust, they’ll begin to ask for money and claim that they’ll pay you back. Common reasons include an investment opportunity, a real estate purchase, a business transaction or a personal emergency like medical or legal expenses.

Remember that generally, any person trying to sell you an investment product or give you investment advice must be registered with a provincial or territorial securities regulator, such as the Ontario Securities Commission.

Fraudsters also often claim they are in another part of the world as the reason for not being able to meet in-person. This may make information harder to verify, like an investment opportunity, so do not let your guard down.

How you can protect yourself:

Slow down. Don’t send money or invest with someone you met online and have never seen before in person.

Ask for a recent photo or do a video call. If the person is real, they should be open to sharing their real photo with you.

Look for inconsistencies. For example, their email address contains someone else’s name, or what they’ve told you doesn’t match their dating profile or social media account information.

Research. Use search engines to check if the messages or images they gave you are found on scam web-sites or stolen from another source.

Find more information on how to protect your money at getsmarteraboutmoney.ca.