Provincial police have reported another important lesson about a common scam that a Norfolk County resident fell victim to.
At around 11:30 a.m. Monday, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called by a resident who wanted to report a fraud. Upon investigation, officers learned the resident had been defrauded of more than $200,000 between November 2021 and January 2023.
The victim told police they had established a relationship with the suspect over the internet. For a little more than a year, several emails and phone calls were exchanged, with details of the suspect's alleged history and employment history. Police say the suspect reportedly made several requests for money from the victim to help them through several emergencies.
"Knowledge is power. All consumers - regardless of age and gender - can take basic steps to better protect themselves from becoming victims of fraud, such as never giving out personal information over the phone, the internet, or through social media or dating websites," said OPP Cst. Ed Sanchuk in a release.
The investigation into the fraud is ongoing.
Police are reminding the public to be cautious about who they speak with online and to always use reputable dating websites. You should never send money to someone you do not know or trust.
Any requests to send money electronically to a foreign country or someone you have never personally met should be treated as a red flag.
"It's not always easy to spot scams, and new ones are invented every day," a statement from Sanchuk read.
More information about common scams circulating and tips on how to protect yourself can be found on Canada's anti-fraud website.
