For the love of money: central Alberta RCMP warn of Internet romance scams

February 13, 2013 - 3:02 PM

RED DEER, Alta. - Police in central Alberta are using Valentine's Day to remind people to beware of love online.

RCMP in Red Deer say there have been at least two victims of Internet romance scams in the city who lost a total of $40,000.

Mounties believe there may be other victims who are too embarrassed to come forward.

The scams consist of someone contacting a potential victim through social media or a legitimate dating website.

An online relationship ensues, the scammer starts asking for money and disappears when the cash is turned over.

Police say there were 911 reported cases of online romance scams in Canada in 2010 with a total monetary loss of almost $7 million.

News from © The Canadian Press, 2013

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