Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre warns of Valentine’s Day scams

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre made a post to Facebook warning those looking for companionship during the season of love.

The bulletin says relationship fraud can occur on dating websites, social media, and through wrong number texts. These are known as conversational attacks.

“The fraudster’s primary goal is to escalate initial communications into a trusting relationship. This can include professions of love, offers of support, financial advice or other emotional lures.”

The perpetrators might ask for money to help with a family emergency, unexpected legal expenses or travel fees. Some cases might include cryptocurrency or other investment scams.

The Anti-Fraud Centre warns of perpetrators being highly organized and skilled at manipulation, saying they invest significant time build trust, carefully studying their targets’ emotions, routines, and vulnerabilities.

“These interactions may feel genuine and deeply personal, making it difficult for victims to recognize the deception until financial or personal harm has already occurred,” the bulletin states.

The Centre says to beware of these warning signs:

• profiles that seem too perfect
• someone you have not met in person professing their love to you
• requests to move conversation to a more private or different method of communication
• constant excuses to not meet up in person
• a person who discourages you from talking about them to friends and family
• distressed or angry messages to force you into sending money
• poorly written messages or messages addressed to the wrong name
• unsolicited text messages
• individuals who “introduce” you to their family on social media to legitimize the relationship
• anyone offering to “coach” you on crypto investing
• get rich quick investment opportunities
• crypto investment opportunities presented over dating sites or social media

Ways to protect yourself include:

• Do not give out your personal information (name, address, DOB, SIN, banking credentials)
• Do not accept friend requests from people you do not know
• Do not invest your money in platforms provided by people you do not know
• Never send money to someone you have not met
• Do not respond to unsolicited text messages from numbers or contacts you do not recognize
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on your accounts
• Beware of fraudsters asking you to open and fund new crypto accounts, they will direct you to send it to wallets they control

To learn more about relationship fraud, please visit their website for more information.

Anyone who suspects they have been the target of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police. Visit the Report Cybercrime and Fraud website or report online or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.