Saskatchewan RCMP wrapped up Fraud Awareness Month with a live Twitter chat on romance fraud March 28.
Detective Constable Anita Robinson of the Regina Police Service's Commercial Crime Unit answered questions saying the most critical thing about preventing this kind of crime is recognizing you are a potential victim. Often the most vulnerable targets are those who believe it can't happen to them.
"Anyone can become a victim of romance fraud," she tweeted. "Fraudsters target single people who are looking for love."
Romance fraud involves feigned romantic intentions toward a victim, then using the victim's affection and goodwill to gain access to money, bank accounts, credit cards, passports or email accounts. In extreme cases, it can also include getting the victim to commit financial fraud on behalf of the suspect.
A high profile case of this came to light in August 2011 when Sherry Magnuson, administrator for the town of Kindersley and a provincial NDP party executive, was arrested for stealing approximately $30,000 from the Town of Kindersley.
Magnuson had become involved with a conman who influenced her to inappropriately use the town's credit card. When she realized she was in over her head, she confessed to the mayor and was ultimately charged with and pleaded guilty to theft over $5,000.
Robinson said there is no truly safe place to meet someone.
"Romance fraudsters can be found anywhere: at work, on vacation, online, or even at your place of worship," she tweeted.
The proliferation of social media and Internet dating sites has been a boon to romance con artists offering a relatively anonymous and less time-consuming platform on which to perpetrate their crimes.
One follower of the live Twitter event asked: "How do we know who we are talking to is real on these online dating sites and Facebook?"
"You don't," Robinson replied. "You need to meet them in person and ask lots of questions."
In fact, an online contact who refuses to meet in person, or frequently delays and makes excuses is a red flag according to police.
Other things to watch for include: the relationship takes off like a rocket; he overwhelms you with attention and keeps you on a short leash with frequent phone calls; he meets your relatives and friends, but you never meet his due to many different excuses; he becomes evasive or testy when questioned; he seems too good to be true; he asks for access to your financial information or credit cards; he asks you to sell your house or other belongings so that you can "buy a new house together."
Police advise that it's a good idea to ask your friends and family for feedback on your new relationships. Often they can be more objective than you are.
Law enforcement agencies have also published tips on what to do if you suspect you have been conned.
End the relationship immediately, change your locks and don't confront him. Most con artists aren't dangerous and once found out they will usually disappear, but there are exceptions.
Contact your local police department and report the con. Police recognize this is frequently more difficult than ending the relationship because of the embarrassment, but, they say, you owe it to yourself and to anyone else who might become the fraudster's next victim.
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