Online safety
Tinder-style app for teens poses sextortion danger
Cybertip.ca recommends parents consider removing Wizz from devices.
Read articleNimmi Kanji
Director - Social Purpose Programs, For Good and TELUS Wise
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. With hearts, flowers and rom coms on everyone’s minds, many unattached people consider reigniting their search for the one. In their quests for love, many head online to swipe, type and hope for that perfect match.
Online dating can be really great. In fact, it's the third most popular means of meeting a long-term partner. I know several couples that met online, with one even marrying. But like anything online these days, there are pros and cons. Not everyone putting up a profile pic and some pithy prose always has pure intentions.
If you’re looking for love this Valentine’s Day, there are some trends to be aware of and general safety tips to keep in mind before you swipe right or left or drop into someone’s DMs.
When people are lonely, vulnerable and looking for love or companionship, inevitably (and unfortunately), there are people that will take advantage of it. Nobody is immune. That’s why it’s important to understand how romance scammers prey on innocent people looking to make a real connection.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) defines romance scams as, “any individual with false romantic intentions toward a victim in order to gain their trust and affection for the purpose of obtaining the victim’s money or access to their bank accounts or credit cards. In some cases the suspect will even attempt to get the victim to commit fraud on their behalf, as a money mule (accepting, then transferring money or goods) often unknowingly. Most romance scams begin via social media sites or online dating sites.”
According to the RCMP (based on CAFC data), in 2018, romance scams were the number one scam in Canada in terms of dollars lost. Approximately 760 victims reported being scammed, to the tune of $22.5 million, or an average of $30,000 per victim. The total damage is likely even higher, as many don’t report incidents out of fear or shame. Romance scams have now surpassed all other types of fraud.
When trying to meet someone online, the truth is that you’re just interacting with faces and words on a screen. So it’s important to find the balance between open mindedness and caution.
Not everyone online is looking for access to your bank accounts, but they may not be 100% truthful either. General rule – trust your gut. If it feels fishy, it probably is. And if someone asks for money, don’t send it, no matter how urgent he or she makes it seem.
To make sure that you’re interacting with a person with good intentions, pay attention to how they represent themselves:
You may have met the partner of your dreams, but if you recognize any of these red flags, you should be extra vigilant.
If you find yourself in this type of situation, stay calm and take steps to protect yourself. Gather all pertinent information – the person’s profile name, contact method, social media screen shots, email – and contact the police. Report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, either by phone or through the online submission form. And notify the site where you connected with the alleged scammer.
Many of these romance scammers are targeting seniors, especially widows who are, for the first time, alone and seeking companionship online.
Global News recently reported about an Ottawa woman who was wooed online, and then scammed for $3,000. And then there was Margaret. When she lost her husband and life partner, friends suggested she try meeting someone online for companionship or friendship. Unfortunately, she fell victim to a scammer who took advantage of her vulnerability, kindness and life’s savings.
During the course of their 11-month online relationship (they never met in person), Margaret transferred more than $140,000 to her new found “love” for “emergencies” and other pressing financial needs. It is money she will never recover, and the financial losses have impacted her quality of life significantly.
If you are looking for love online this Valentine’s Day, swipe and type with vigilance. Be aware of the red flags associated with romance scammers, so if a match displays any, you can move on without incident. Best of luck in your search!
Cybertip.ca recommends parents consider removing Wizz from devices.
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