A Norfolk County resident who was looking for love is out more than $200,000 after falling victim to an online romance scam.
OPP began investigating last Friday and determined the resident was scammed out of the money between March 2021 and February of this year by a person they met online.
The pair exchanged numerous emails and phone calls with the suspect asking for cash because of several unspecified emergencies.
The incident has prompted police to issue a reminder to residents to never give out personal information over the phone, through social media or dating websites.
“Always get independent advice – from family members, a trusted friend or advisor — if any offers involve money, personal information, time or commitment,” police said in a statement.
Other tips to avoid being the victim of a romance or dating scam include checking website addresses carefully as scammers often set up fake sites with very similar addresses to appear legitimate and never send money, credit card or online account details to an individual you’ve never personally met.
“Ask yourself ‘would someone I have never met really declare their love for me after only a few letters or emails or phone calls,’” police said.
More information on how to identify online scams can be found on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website at www.antifraudcentre.ca.
Read original story from London Ontario – BlackburnNews.com