A man wanted for multiple romance scams across Canada underscores the importance of staying vigilant against fraudsters who target vulnerable individuals around Valentine’s Day.
The Peel Regional Police Fraud Bureau released information on Thursday regarding an offender it describes as “prolific,” wanted on an outstanding warrant.
Peel police say that the suspect, 30-year-old Chukwuka Emmanuel Williams, reached out to multiple victims between June 2020 and September 2021 with fabricated stories about how he needed financial help with his transition home from his military deployment. The victims, who were led to believe they were in a relationship with the suspect, agreed to help and sent several monetary transfers with the assurance of being reimbursed eventually.
Eleven victims from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Quebec are at a total loss of $275,000, police said. Williams is wanted for 23 offences, including 10 counts of fraud over $5,000.
With Valentine’s Day incoming, a time to celebrate love is unfortunately also a prime opportunity for scammers to prey on victims’ emotions and generosity.
From fake flower deliveries to phishing emails, fraudsters are using every trick in the book to exploit the spirit of Cupid’s day. According to Richard D, an online safety expert from VPN Pro, a Virtual Private Network service, Valentine’s Day scams are often more difficult to detect because they play on our sentimentality.
Here are seven of the most common scams to watch out for this year and tips on how to avoid them.
1. Fake flower and gift delivery scams
Fraudsters often create fake websites advertising deeply discounted flowers, chocolates, or gifts. After you pay, the items either don’t show up, or the scammer collects your payment and personal information for future fraud. In practice, that could look like prices that are too good to be true, poor website design or lack of customer reviews, and odd payment methods like direct bank transfers or cryptocurrency.
“Stick to well-known retailers with verified reviews, and use secure payment methods like credit cards, which offer better fraud protection,” Richard said.
2. Fake dating profiles
Scammers often create convincing fake profiles on dating apps or social media. They use stolen photos and fabricated details to gain your trust, manipulate your emotions, and sometimes ask for money or sensitive personal information. Things to look out for here might be profiles that seem too perfect, avoiding video calls or in-person meetings, and feeling pressured for personal contact details like your phone number or social media accounts.
“If they seem too good to be true, I suggest using reverse image search tools to verify profile photos. You should also be cautious about sharing personal details with someone you’ve only just met online,” Richard said.
3. Travel scam alert for couples
Couples planning a romantic getaway can fall victim to scammers who advertise fake travel packages or luxury accommodations at unusually low prices. Once payment is made, the bookings either don’t exist or are canceled without a refund. Some red flags here could be deals significantly cheaper than reputable travel sites, no physical address or contact information for the agency, and requests for payments via wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrencies.
“Always research the travel agency before booking. Check reviews on third-party platforms and make sure the company has a verified history. Stick to reputable travel booking sites or work with trusted travel agents to avoid losing your money and vacation plans,” Richard said.
4. Phishing scams
Phishing scams involve fraudsters impersonating trusted companies, such as your favourite dating site, to steal your personal information. You might receive an email or message asking you to click on a malicious link to “verify” account details or “redeem” gift cards. Pay close attention to urgent language, like ‘act now or lose access,’ suspicious links or typos in emails, and requests for sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.
“Always verify the sender’s email address and avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages. Visit the company’s official website instead,” Richard said.
5. Cryptocurrency investment scams
Some scammers pose as romantic interests and introduce you to “exciting” cryptocurrency investments. They’ll urge you to move conversations to encrypted apps like Telegram and promote obscure platforms that claim to offer high returns. Some red flags might be talking about investments early in the relationship, unclear or unverified platforms, and pressure to act quickly or “miss out” on a limited opportunity.
“Never combine love with financial investments, they always end in a deficit. Research any platform thoroughly and consult a financial expert before you even think of investing,” Richard urged.
6. Fake jewellery offers
Fake jewellery offers flood social media and online ads, claiming to sell high-end pieces at unbeatable prices. After you make the payment, you either receive counterfeit jewellery or nothing at all. Be wary of social media-only retailers, no refund or return policies, and deals that seem too good to be true.
“Purchase jewellery only from reputable retailers with a strong online presence and verified customer reviews,” Richard said.
7. E-Gift card scams
Emails or social media posts claiming you’ve received a Valentine’s Day gift card are common during the holiday season. However, these links often lead to fake websites asking for your personal and financial details to “redeem” the gift. Make sure to look out for poor grammar or spelling in emails, unclear website branding or design, and an urgency to redeem the card quickly.
“These are probably the easiest scam to avoid but you’d be surprised by the amount of people still falling for them! Verify gift cards directly with the retailer and avoid clicking on unsolicited links,” Richard said.
