North Vancouver woman scammed out of $27,000 by online lover

Aug 24 2016, 2:56 am

North Vancouver RCMP are warning anyone using internet dating services to think twice before sending money to their online lover.

After engaging in a long-distance relationship using online dating website Match.com, a North Vancouver woman’s internet love interest asked her to send him $27,000, promising to pay her back.

The man told her that he was living out of the country and needed the funds to help with legal fees for a construction contract.

The woman trusted the man and sent him the money, never to hear from him again.

“It’s heartbreaking and frustrating to investigate these types of frauds. The victim is suffering both an emotional and financial loss,” said Cst. Brett Cunningham of the North Vancouver RCMP in a release.

Cpl. Richard De Jong of the North Vancouver RCMP told Daily Hive that the case is still under investigation.

“Often in these cases (the money) is taken out of the country. Which makes it very difficult to trace and prosecute someone from another country,” he said.

North Vancouver RCMP have issued the following tips for online daters to avoid being scammed:

  • Never disclose personal information.
  • Never disclose credit card or banking information.
  • Do not provide your address under the guise of receiving gifts.
  • Should you decide to meet your online date in person, ensure your meeting is in a public place.
  • Make sure you tell a trusted friend or family member about your date, including who you are meeting, where, and when.
Simran SinghSimran Singh

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