Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says romance fraud reports last year amounted to $64.6 million.
The OPP is warning residents to keep an eye out for romance fraudsters.
In 2021, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported $64.6 million reportedly lost in romance scams.
The OPP says in romance scams, fraudsters will gain the trust of the victim by carrying on a relationship.
In many cases, the fraudster will claim to be a professional business person or military personnel required to travel or be stationed abroad.
Once trust is gained, fraudsters begin to ask for financial assistance.
The OPP says you should never send your money or share personal or financial information with someone you have never met in person.
Warning signs include attempts to meet in person not happening, and claims the individual lives near to you but is working overseas.
If you do fall victim to a fraud or know someone who has, contact your local police service to report the crime, and also report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC).
You can contact the CAFC by phone at 1-888-495-8501 or online by way of the Fraud Reporting System, even if a financial loss did not occur.
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