Valentine’s Day Fraud Prevention Tips From Visa Canada
Romance scams cost Canadians over $58.4M in 2024, with median losses exceeding $2,000 per victim. Visa is sharing expert insights to help consumers recognize red flags and protect themselves from romance scams this Valentine’s Day.
Red Flags đźš©
- Tragic backstories – Be cautious of early tragic stories, especially if they lead to requests for money. Scammers use emotional tales to elicit sympathy and financial aid.Â
- Too good to be true –  Scammers often create profiles with model-like photos and flawless backgrounds, while genuine profiles usually have a mix of candid and professional photosÂ
- Too soon “I Love You” – Scammers use flattery and quick declarations of love to emotionally manipulate victims. If someone professes love too soon, be cautious.Â
- Avoiding video calls – If your match avoids video calls or meetings, they may be hiding something. Scammers dodge face-to-face interactions to sustain their deception.Â
Read more tips from Visa here. Â
February 13, 2025 at 5:27 pm
[…] a major part of what I do is scam related, I’ll offer up this story that I did earlier this week. While it’s not the whole solution, it’s a start in […]
February 18, 2025 at 12:40 am
This is an important and timely reminder from Visa Canada about the dangers of romance scams, especially around Valentine’s Day. The statistics on fraud losses in 2024 are alarming, making it crucial for consumers to stay vigilant.