Searching for that special someone and doing it online?
A warning from the RCMP to beware of romance scams.
RCMP say around 760 Canadians were the victims of romance scams last year.
Sergeant Guy Paul Larocque says the fraudsters typically create enticing profiles on well-known dating websites or social media platforms to lure victims into online relationships.
As the relationship continues over time, scammers will build their trust with their victim, and then ask for money.
Reported losses to the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre in 2018 as a result of romance scams totalled more than $22.5 million.
Laroque says you should be suspicious is someone refuses or cancels video chats an in person meetings and also if someone claims to live nearby, but tells you they are overseas for work.
He says do not send money for any reason, and if it appears to be too good to be true, it probably is.
If you believe you have been a victim of this scam, contact your bank and place a stop payment on any cheque or money transfer, report it to your local police and file a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
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