Romance scams are one of the leading scams targeting Canada’s seniors. They work because as we age, we become lonely, especially after losing a partner. In Canada, over $58 million was lost to Romance Scams in 2024. Romance scams are also called Catfishing scams. The person behind the fake profile is called a “catfish.” The act of using this fake identity is known as “catfishing.”
What Is A Romance Scam?
A romance scam involves a fraudster creating a fake online identity to establish a relationship with a victim. Once trust is built, the scammer manipulates the victim into sending money or personal information. These scams often occur on dating apps, social media, or messaging platforms.
Signs Of A Romance Scam
Rapid Declaration of Love
Scammers will often profess love quickly to build trust. Nothing tightens a bond between people more than love.
Will Avoid Meeting In Person / In Video Calls
Of course, with romance scams, the scammer is not who they say they are. They might not even be the sex that they say they are. They might not even speak your language and are using AI to translate for them. Scammers will do anything to avoid getting on a FaceTime call or actually meeting in person. Their communication will be mostly by email, text, or phone calls. That way, they can hide their true identity. They will always have an excuse why they can’t get on video or meet in person.
Requests For Money
This is the real reason for the scam. Shortly after building trust with the victim, the scammer’s demeanor will change. They will become sad or distant. When finally pressured to reveal why, they will say it is a money issue. They need money to get a divorce, have a medical emergency, an investment opportunity or any reason imaginable.
Stolen Identity
The scammer will likely use stolen images from the Internet to fool the victim. They will be attractive and alluring to the victim. This helps the victim start to care or fall in love with the scammer.
Request For Secrecy
Scammers in a romance scam often use various tactics. One of their tactics is asking you to keep the relationship a secret from friends and family. Of course friends and family will try to convince you to break off the relationship, so they don’t want that.
Protecting Yourself
There are a few steps you can take to protect yourself from romance scams.
- Never give any money to somebody you haven’t met in person.
- Be cautious with online relationships. Especially those that won’t meet in person or show their face on a video call
- Use a reverse image search to check if the photos they are using are stolen
- Talk to your friends and family, get their opinions of the seducer
- Report it!