GUELPH-ERAMOSA TOWNSHIP – The Wellington County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is urging the public to familiarize themselves with different online scams, particularly those related to romance.
On September 25, 2025, at approximately 11:00 a.m., The Wellington County OPP, received a report of an online fraud from a resident of Guelph-Eramosa.
It is reported that the victim developed an online relationship with an unidentified individual from another country, who sent the victim a request for a large quantity of money. This ultimately led to the victim being defrauded of over $50,000.
A family member of the victim quickly recognized the situation as fraudulent and intervened. They then contacted police to report the incident.
What is a Romance Scam?
A romance scam is a type of online fraud where individuals use fake identities and build romantic relationships with victims through online platforms, social media, or dating websites. The scammer typically creates a convincing profile, often using stolen photos and a fabricated backstory, to gain the trust of the victim. Once a connection is established, the scammer often exploits the victim’s emotions to manipulate them into sending money or providing personal information.
Common elements of a romance scam include:
· Fake identities: Scammers create fake profiles, often using attractive photos and compelling personal stories to appear genuine.
· Financial requests: Once trust is established, scammers often invent fictitious emergencies or situations that require financial assistance. They ask the victim to send money, gifts, or even provide banking details.
· Reluctance to meet in person: Scammers often find excuses to avoid meeting in person, citing various reasons such as living in another country or facing travel restrictions.
Resources for victims of fraud:
If you do fall victim to a fraud or know someone who has, contact your local police service to report the crime, and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca. The CAFC collects information on fraud and identity theft Canada wide. Contact the CAFC by phone at 1-888-495-8501 or online by way of the Fraud Reporting System (FRS), even if a financial loss did not occur.
For more information on scams and frauds, the public is encouraged to read The Little Black Book of Scams, which can be found online:
https://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/03074.html
