Okanagan man out a ‘significant amount of money’ after falling for internet scam

The Kelowna RCMP is reminding the public of internet scams that stem from online interactions.

Last month, police received a complaint from an Okanagan man who developed what he believed to be a friendship online with someone who portrayed themselves as female.

The female initially told the gentleman she was in Ontario and then in a foreign country, and had asked to borrow money to cover debts and unexpected expenses.

The Kelowna local sent a significant amount of money to assist the woman, and when the victim requested to be repaid and offered the woman to come to Canada, she refused and ended the relationship.

“If the basis of the relationship is sending money to help out a person out of country that you have not met, please use caution,” said Cst. Mike Della-Paolera Kelowna RCMP Media Relations Officer.

Police confirm that these internet schemes are common and also make any sort of criminal investigation nearly impossible.

Warning signs for these potential scams entail profiles that seem too perfect, someone you haven’t met professing their love for you and trying to discourage you from speaking to family or friends about the relationship, getting upset or acting distressed if money isn’t sent.

They may also introduce you to their family and friends to legitimize the relationship.

In order to protect yourself from this type of fraud, never give out personal information, don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know, don’t invest on platforms you don’t know, protect online accounts and never send money to someone you haven’t met.

To learn more information about recent scams and frauds circulating the country head to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre here.