Scammers are not taking any holidays as Grey County County OPP received a call about a scam that duped a resident out of $10,000.
Police say in this romance scam, the fraudster claims to live in Ghana and advises victims that she has inherited some gold and would send it as repayment for money sent to her. In this case, the male victim spent $10,000 over three years on the scam.
Police say fraudsters develop a relationship with the victim over an extended period of time, increasing trust. And that's when the victims become vulnerable.
Some of the keys to watch for when contacted by e-mail or phone are:
- You've never met face to face
- Your correspondent professes love at warp speed
- Your correspondent is plagued with medical problems requiring loans from you
- You are promised repayment upon the inheritance of gold or gems
- When your friend does try to leave the country, h/she is detained by immigration officials demanding payment or bribes
