Image Credit: YouTube
October 15, 2019 - 12:53 PM
If you think you’ve lined up a hot date with a Hollywood actor, you may want to cool your jets and consider your next steps.
Crime Stoppers Central Okanagan reported that they are aware of a recent romance scam where a person purporting to be actor Jeremy Renner has been engaging with women through social media sites.
“Renner has sent out messages on his own social media accounts warning people of this scam,” the Crime Stoppers post reads.
“The scammer has made promises to come to the victim's location and meet up with them but of course there is a hitch. The scammer needs money for various reasons, ie for airfare, passport fees etc. The following information from the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre will help you to recognize this type of scam.”
A romance scam involves any individual with false romantic intentions toward a victim in order to gain their trust and affection for the purpose of obtaining the victim’s money or access to their bank accounts or credit cards. In some cases, the suspect will even attempt to get the victim to commit fraud on their behalf, as a money mule (accepting, then transferring money or goods) often unknowingly. Most romance scams begin via social media sites or online dating sites.
Among the tips to avoid being the victim of such a scam, Crime Stoppers recommends being suspicious when someone you haven't met in person professes their love to you. Ask yourself – would someone I’ve never met really declare their love after only a few emails?
They also say be wary when someone you meet on social media wants to quickly move to a private mode of communication (email, text). If you get further, remember to gather all information pertaining to the situation, including the scammer’s profile name, how you made contact, social media screenshots, emails, etc. and contact your local police.
Then file a report with the CAFC toll-free at 1-888-495-8501 or online www.antifraudcentre.ca.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Kathy Michaels or call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
News from © iNFOnews, 2019