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
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Canucks claw out 5-4 comeback win over Oilers in Game 1
Dakota Joshua had a goal and two assists and the Vancouver Canucks scored three third-period goals to claw out a 5-4 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Wednesday.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.