Waterloo man charged in alleged romance scam worth more than $2 million
Police in Waterloo, Ont. have arrested a 49-year-old man they say posed as a CSIS agent and pursued romantic relationships with dozens of women, ultimately defrauding them out of more than $2 million.
The scam stretched over 15 years, Waterloo regional police said in a news release on Wednesday.
After establishing a romantic relationship, “the victims were convinced to make fictitious investments and support the male’s lifestyle,” police said.
Police did not specify the exact number of victims or where they lived, but said dozens of woman were defrauded out of more than $2 million combined.
Investigators explained the man used a “variety of methods including online-dating websites to meet many of the victims.”
They added that “many of the victims are from Waterloo Region, however there are others from outside regions in Ontario and in other countries.”
Investigators also believe there may be more victims and are asking anyone with information to contact them at 519-570-9777 ext. 8255.
On Thursday, Nov. 23, officers executed two search warrants, one in Waterloo and one in Halton, and arrested the 49-year-old Waterloo man.
He’s been charged with fraud over $5,000 and possession of stolen property over $5,000.
The man is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 8.
EXPERT REACTS
The director of cyber market intelligence and financial crimes at Interac, Rachel Jolicoeur, said romance scams became even more popular during the pandemic, when connecting virtually was normalized.
“It was the perfect excuse for not meeting their love interest in person,” added Jolicoeur.
She said people should flag suspicious behaviour and excuses for not meeting face-to-face.
For those who have fallen victim to a scam – speaking up is key.
“Report it to the police. Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. And if you've given away any personal information contact the credit bureau, Equifax or TransUnion and flag that with them and also contact your financial institution and let them know,” Jolicoeur said.
CANADIAN ANTI-FRAUD CENTRE TIPS
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website said scammers will try to use any means necessary to convince you that their requests are legitimate.
“The majority of fraud is not committed by amateurs and they will use technology to their advantage,” their website reads.
Red flags to lookout for include:
- When someone you haven’t met in person professes their love for you
- If the person wants to quickly move to a private or different mode of communication (email, text, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts etc.)
- If they always have an excuse not to meet in person
- If you receive poorly/oddly written messages, sometimes even addressing you by the wrong name
- If the individual claims to live close to you but is working overseas
- If they act distressed or angry to guilt you into sending money
- If the individual discourages you from discussing them or their situation with your friends and family (attempting to isolate you from those who may be suspicious of the relationship)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6972482.1721645253!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Harris praises Biden's 'unmatched' legacy, looks to lock up the Democratic nomination
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris moved swiftly to lock up Democratic delegates behind her campaign for the White House after President Joe Biden stepped aside amid concerns from within their party that he would be unable to defeat Republican Donald Trump.
WATCH LIVE 'We failed,' says Secret Service director grilled on Trump assassination attempt
The director of the Secret Service says the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump was the agency's 'most significant operational failure' in decades.
Hollywood reacts to Joe Biden exiting the U.S. presidential race
Hollywood was quick to react to the news that U.S. President Joe Biden was ending his bid for re-election and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.
Prince George is 11 -- see his birthday photo
Prince George has turned 11, and as per tradition his proud parents have released an official portrait to mark the occasion.
Two-thirds of Canadians polled say they 'desperately' need interest rates to go down
A new survey says the Bank of Canada's recent interest rate cut did little to change Canadians' negative perceptions about their personal finances.
Israel orders evacuation of part of Gaza humanitarian zone as war's toll passes 39,000 Palestinians
The Israeli military ordered the evacuation Monday of part of a crowded area in the Gaza Strip it had designated a humanitarian zone, saying it is planning an operation against Hamas militants there.
Wildfire forces evacuation of B.C.'s Barkerville gold rush heritage site
Visitors have been told to avoid B.C.'s historic Barkerville gold rush town, which is among several areas in the province's Cariboo region under evacuation orders due to the massive Antler Creek wildfire.
LeBron James to be Team USA's male flag bearer for Olympic Opening Ceremony
NBA legend LeBron James has been selected as Team USA’s male flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games.
The pilot who died in crash after releasing skydivers near Niagara Falls has been identified
Officials on Sunday released the name of a pilot who died in a skydiving flight after her passengers jumped from the aircraft near the Niagara Falls.