(WELLINGTON COUNTY, ON) – The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is urging the public to familiarize themselves with different online scams, particularly those related to romance.
On Sunday, May 18, 2025, at approximately 9:00 p.m., Wellington County OPP received a report of an online fraud from a resident of Guelph-Eramosa Township.
It was reported that between February and April 2025, the victim, who had developed an online relationship with an unidentified individual, was defrauded of more than $80,000. Throughout their interaction, the individual suspected to be the perpetrator, made multiple appeals for financial support, predominantly in the form of e-transfers and cryptocurrency, citing a fictious need for assistance.
A romance scam is a type of online fraud where individuals use fake identities and build romantic relationships with victims through online platforms, social media, or dating websites. The scammer typically creates a convincing profile, often using stolen photos and a fabricated backstory, to gain the trust of the victim. Once a connection is established, the scammer often exploits the victim’s emotions to manipulate them into sending money or providing personal information.
Common elements of a romance scam include:
· Fake identities: Scammers create fake profiles, often using attractive photos and compelling personal stories to appear genuine.
· Financial requests: Once trust is established, scammers often invent fictitious emergencies or situations that require financial assistance. They ask the victim to send money, gifts, or even provide banking details.
· Reluctance to meet in person: Scammers often find excuses to avoid meeting in person, citing various reasons such as living in another country or facing trave restrictions.
If you do fall victim to a fraud or know someone who has, contact your local police service to report the crime, and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca. The CAFC collects information on fraud and identity theft Canada wide. Contact the CAFC by phone at 1-888-495-8501 or online by way of the Fraud Reporting System (FRS), even if a financial loss did not occur.
For more information on scams and frauds, the public is encouraged to read The Little Black Book of Scams, which can be found online: https://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/03074.html