GUELPH/ERAMOSA – A local resident has been defrauded of more than $80,000 through a “romance scam.”
Wellington County OPP officials say a Guelph-Eramosa resident called police about an online fraud on May 18 at about 9pm.
“It was reported that between February and April 2025, the victim, who had developed an online relationship with an unidentified individual, was defrauded of more than $80,000,” police stated in a May 21 press release.
“Throughout their interaction, the … perpetrator made multiple appeals for financial support, predominantly in the form of e-transfers and cryptocurrency, citing a fictitious need for assistance.”
Police are yet again warning county residents to be wary of such scams, which involve people using fake identities to build romantic relationships with victims online, usually via social media or dating websites.
“The scammer typically creates a convincing profile, often using stolen photos and a fabricated backstory, to gain the trust of the victim,” police stated.
“Once a connection is established, the scammer often exploits the victim’s emotions to manipulate them into sending money or providing personal information.”
OPP officials say common elements of a romance scam include fictitious emergencies or situations that require financial assistance and a reluctance to meet in person (for example, because they live in another country and/or face travel restrictions).
Anyone who knows a victim of fraud can contact the police and should also report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online – even if a financial loss did not occur.
