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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
New analysis of Beethoven's hair reveals possible cause of mysterious ailments, scientists say
High levels of lead detected in authenticated locks of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair suggest that the composer had lead poisoning, which may have contributed to ailments he endured over the course of his life, including deafness, according to new research.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.