How to Recognize and Report Romance Scams in Canada.

The emergence of online dating has revolutionized the way people meet, but it has also paved way for fraudsters to prey on unaware targets. Romance scams are on the rise in Canada, with criminals employing emotional tactics to extract money and personal information.

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Romance scams cost Canadians millions of dollars each year, a problem the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) says is only getting worse with many cases going unreported in victims' embarrassment. If you’re meeting people online, it’s important to know the warning signs, how to protect yourself and how to report suspicious activity.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about romance scams in Canada, including how they work, red flags to look out for and where to report fraudsters. Victim statement! 

What Is a Romance Scam?

A romance scam is a scam where fraudsters adopt a fictitious online identity in order to gain the trust of their victims and then pursue a romantic relationship. Their ultimate goal? For tricking victims to give money, personal information or even doing illegal acts without awareness.

The scams sometimes occur on:

 Tinder, Bumble and Hinge dating apps

 Social media such as Facebook and Instagram

 Apps like WhatsApp and Telegram

With trust established, con artists employ a variety of techniques to prey on their targets, seeking to move them through emotional manipulation to a financial transaction—all while masquerading under protective feelings of love and concern. Set Alert Your device! 

 How Prevalent Are Romance Scams in Canada

The rise of romance scams, and the staggering monetary toll.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) reported that victims reported losing more than $50 million to romance scams in 2023 alone.

There are many unreported cases as perpetrators have planted a sense of shame and embarrassment in the victims.

 Attackers often "prey on the elderly, and ind: You wouldn't think a scammer would try to trick the elderly, but a scamer typically targets older people and people who know less about the tactics of online fraud.

These scams not only financially devastate the victims but also inflict deep emotional pain on those who thought they had found true love.

How Romance Scammers Work

 Romance scammers plan out how to trap their victims. Here’s what they generally look like:

1. Creating a Fake Identity

Con men swipe images of actual people (usually the military, doctors or business people).

They set up fake profiles on dating apps and social media, using good-looking pictures to entice victims.

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2. Building Trust and Love Bombing

“They fall in love fast, sometimes days after chatting.”

They refuse video calls or in-person meetings, offering excuses such as “I’m overseas for work” or “I don’t have a webcam.”

They ask intimate questions to find out how they can exploit your fears and your finances. Here some details! 

3. Money request (the scam begin) 

Once they’ve got you, they create a fear of financial crisis:

Medical emergencies

Family crises

Business failures

Fees for the costs to come to see you

They solicit payment through wire transfers, cryptocurrency, prepaid gift cards, and even fraudulent investments. 

4. Manipulation and Emotional Blackmail

(Gets) If the victim hesitates, the scammer guilt-trips the victim saying:

“If you really love me, you’d help.”

“You’re my only hope. I don’t know what to do.”

Some scammers go so far as to threaten victims, saying they’ll hurt themselves if they aren’t given money.

5. Losing Sight of or Further Exploitation

They typically ghost the victim or find new methods to extract more funds after they have received sufficient money.

Various scammers even work their victims for months or years at a time, despoiling them emotionally and financially.

Red Flags of a Romance Scam

Here are the biggest red flags that suggest you might be dealing with a romance scammer:

  Red Flags In Online Dating Profiles

  Very few photos or stock images on profile

  Grammar or phrasing issues in messages

  Overtly effusive early on (“I’ve never felt this way before”)

  Says they are wealthy, accomplished, or “working overseas”

  Doesn’t set up video calls or in-person meetings.Explore more!

Common Lies Scammers Tell 

  “I work abroad and cannot meet in person at the moment.”

  “I require funds for a visa, health crisis or family emergency.”

  “My bank account has been frozen and I need an urgent help.

  “I want to come see you, but I need help with travel expenses.”

   “I can help you make money through cryptocurrency or investments.

If a stranger asks for your money, it’s a scam. 

How to Avoid Becoming a Target for Romance Scammers

Here are some must-have safety measures to prevent romance fraud:

  Verify Their Identity

  Check if their photos are stolen by performing a reverse image search on Google or TinEye

  Check them on social media — real people have active profiles with friends and family.

  Request a video call—scammers will always dodge eye-to-eye.

  Don’t ever send money, or post private information

  Don’t send money, gift cards or cryptocurrency.

  Never divulge personal information such as your street address or financial details.

  Don’t click on or download links that you get from people you don’t know.

Do practice safe online dating

  Use reputable dating apps with fraud protection.

  Be careful of those who suddenly want to take the conversation off-platform.

  If it’s a dating app or social media, report and block the suspicious profile. Here some!

How to report a romance scam in Canada

If you think you may be a victim of a romance scam, take steps right away.

  Report to Authorities

 Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) 

  Local Police – Fraud can be reported to your local police station.

 Your Bank or Credit Card Provider — If you’ve sent money, they might be able to help stop the transaction.

Report to Online Platforms

 Dating Apps – 99.9 % of platforms will have a “Report” button for fraudulent accounts.

 Social Media — Report any fake profiles found on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

 Email Providers – Report phishing messages to Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook

If You’ve Been Scammed, What to Do

What to do if you’ve been a victim of a romance scam:

 Immediate Steps

 Do not communicate with the scammer.

  Compile the evidence (messages, payment receipts, email addresses).

  File a fraud report with authorities.

  Emotional Recovery

Speak to someone — contact friends, family or a support group.

Look into therapy — romance scams can take a toll on mental health.

Raise awareness — your experience could be what prevents someone else from falling into the same trap.

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Conclusion

Canada inhabits one of the fastest-growing threats of romance scams, Yet, by being informed and vigilant, you Will be able to protect yourself and others.

Never send money to someone you have yet to meet face to face.

 Beware of red flags like love bombing, fake profiles and urgent requests for money.

 Confirm identities before you trust online connections.

 Report scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and local authorities as soon as they happen.