Toronto woman 'horrified' after losing $95,000 to romance scam
Romance scams have always been around, but they got worse during the pandemic, and fraudsters continue to use social media and dating sites to find victims.
“He seemed like an extremely nice person and age-wise and whatever, we seem to connect that way and have a lot in common,” Nancy said.
CTV News Toronto agreed to address her as Nancy to protect her identity.
Nancy was defrauded of $95,000 in a romance scam by a man who claimed to be living in Singapore. He said he was in love with her and wanted to borrow money from her to move to Canada.
Nancy said she had gone through a divorce, and when someone reached out to her through Facebook, she said they made a connection -- over time, he said he fell in love with her.
They messaged almost daily, and Nancy said the man sent a photo he claimed was him.
“This person said he loved me, and he wanted to come to Canada, but he didn't have the money. Could I help him?” said Nancy.
At first, the man said he needed $60,000, which he would pay back, but then he asked for another $35,000.
“I was horrified losing that money. But I actually believed that I was getting that back. I really and truly did,” she said.
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), romance scam losses in Canada totalled $65 million in 2021, 59 million in 2022 and already have topped $13.8 million in the first three months of 2023.
"Suspects will often claim to be in the military or in business, and they will really craft their story profile and imagines to suit whatever story they are giving their victims,” said Jeff Horncastle with CAFC.
Some signs of a romance scam include someone declaring their love for you quickly, making excuses not to meet in person, and telling you not to discuss your relationship with others.
They may have an online relationship for months before asking for money, saying it’s needed for an emergency, hospital bills or for them to travel to see you.
All ages are targeted in romance scams, some of which evolve into cryptocurrency fraud.
"What we are seeing with young people as well as seniors is that they start off as romance scams, and they turn into investment scams," said Horncastle.
As for Nancy, she is devastated she lost her money and embarrassed it happened. Looking back, she said she believes her emotions allowed her to be caught in a trap.
“You almost feel like you've been brainwashed. That's how you feel and now your brain is clearing and you saying this is all fake? It was all a lie?” said Nancy.
Once money is sent in a romance scam, it's almost impossible to get back, because if you authorized the transfers the banks will say it's your fault.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations
B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.