Canadians lost $17M to online dating scams in 2016: RCMP
It started with a Facebook conversation with a stranger, then progressed to Skype exchanges, declarations of affection and promises to meet up in person.
By the time Louise, 56, contacted police roughly a year later, she still hadn’t met her online connection — but she had sent roughly $100,000 overseas at his request, and spent another $25,000 on travel and related expenses.
“He was very charming, very nice,” said Louise, who did not want her full name used in order to protect her privacy. “I thought he was sincere, that he would pay me back.”
With people increasingly looking for love online, RCMP are warning Canadians to protect their wallets as well as their hearts.