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
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.