Love or lies? OPP issues warning about romance scams ahead of Valentine’s Day

Love hurts, love scars and sometimes, as the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) warns, it can even leave a dent in your wallet.

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, provincial police are raising awareness about romance fraud where apparent suitors bilk unsuspecting victims out of huge sums of money under the pretense of a romantic relationship.

According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), Canadian lost more than $58.4 million in 2024 to romance fraud.

The OPP says the schemes are usually carried out online via fake profiles and messages on dating apps, email or social media. Once the scammer establishes trust and emotional intimacy with the victim, they may try a number of different ways to request money.

For example:

• Directly asking for money, often urgently, to help with travel, medical emergencies or family assistance
• Asking the victim to help them receive money, potentially leading them to unwittingly participate in criminal money laundering
• Asking the victim to participate in a business venture like registering a business or opening a bank account
• Persuading the victim to transfer funds through cryptocurrency ATMS or online platforms

While the common perception of victims is one of gullibility and a lack of tech savvy, the OPP says scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics like artificial intelligence to manipulate their victims with fake images and voices.

They advise people to watch out for the following red flags:

• An early “I love you” before you’ve even met in person, early on in the relationship
• Wanting to talk in private via a messaging app or email
• Consistently making excuses to avoid in person meetups, often claiming to work abroad
• They sometimes get your name wrong, or messages are poorly written
• They act distressed and angry to pressure you into sending money, often pretending it’s an emergency
• They try to isolate you from those who might suspect anything by dissuading you from discussing the relationship with friends or family

If you suspect fraud, contact your local police, the OPP, Crime Stoppers or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC).