Watch out for romance scams

Valentine’s Day may have already come and gone, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t susceptible to a romance scam.

Durham police are reminding the public to be safe when it comes to online dating, and how there are some scammers that will trick you into giving them money.

Some dating websites are set up so that you have to pay for each message you send or receive, with scammers hooking potential victims in by sending vague but romantic messages, enticing more messages to be sent back to them.

Legitimate dating sites are not totally safe from scams either, with some setting up profiles and then later telling you they have a sick family member or need financial assistance for one reason or another. Police warn that some will even agree to meet in person in hopes of money or presents, and then quickly disappear.

Police are encouraging the public to be cautious of dating sites and to never give out your banking information online or send money to people you don’t know.

For more information, please visit drps.ca.