'Romance scam' fraudster had more than 20 victims: Ontario police
A two-year police investigation that started with a Prescott, Ont. woman reporting a romance fraud has ended with dozens of charges against a 35-year-old man.
Police say the “lengthy and complex investigation” uncovered alleged romance fraud involving 21 victims.
The first of those was a Prescott, Ont. woman who contacted police in October 2019. Police were able to prevent her from losing $50,000 to the alleged fraudster, whom she met on a social media site.
“Thankfully, we were involved at a point where this could be halted before it went further,” OPP Const. Ann Collins said.
After that, police started a second investigation, involving the Ottawa unit of the OPP anti-rackets branch, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada.
That led to the following charges against a 35-year-old Etobicoke man:
- Fraud over $5,000
- Failing to comply with a release order
- Transmitting identity information
- Identity theft (15 counts)
- Possession of credit card data (18 counts)
- Possession of a credit card (nine counts)
- Possession of an identity document (six counts)
The accused, Nosa Solomon Oriakhi, appeared in court on Brockville on Monday and was remanded into custody.
What is romance fraud?
Romance fraudsters use dating and social networking sites to contact their victims. They create accounts using stolen photos and back stories that often suggest they work in the military, overseas or in business.
They profess their love to gain victims’ trust and, eventually their money. The fraud can last years, police say, until the victims have nothing left to give.
“The fraudsters will always run into trouble and are unable to refund their victims; however, they will continue to make empty promises and ask for more money,” police said in a news release.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has received more than 1,300 reports of romance fraud from victims resulting in more than $43 million in losses this year.
Police have several tips on how to protect yourself, including:
- Beware of individuals who quickly profess their love for you
- Beware of people who claim to be wealthy, but need to borrow money
- Be suspicious if they keep finding reasons to cancel in-person meetings. Meet in a public place if you proceed.
- Never send intimate photos or videos of yourself; they could be used to blackmail you
- Never send or accept money or cryptocurrencies to or from unknown individuals.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of fraud should contact local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Mother's Day and the playoffs face off in a quiet Vancouver suburb
In the quiet and leafy Vancouver neighbourhood of South Cambie, best known for its botanical garden, playoff fever is about to set in.
Joe Biden wants to remind 2024 voters of a record and an agenda. Often it's Donald Trump's
Biden wants the 2024 election to be a referendum on Trump's record and plans, but he also wants voters to look favourably on his own policies and actions
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.