Instead of sweet-talking people out of their money as in a typical romance scam, these fraudsters are using strong-arm tactics to get their way.
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Mounties are warning the public about a recent spate of extortion stemming from online dating services.
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In the last month, Burnaby RCMP said it has investigated at least nine incidents of extortion and blackmail after adults shared their personal information such as home addresses and phone numbers with a potential romantic partner they met through personal dating services.
But instead of sweet-talking people out of their money as in a typical romance scam, these fraudsters are using strong-arm tactics to get their way.
“We have seen romance scams before, but this one is unique due to the graphic and alarming videos and pictures that are sent to the victims as a scare tactic,” said Burnaby RCMP Cpl. Alexa Hodgins in a statement.
“We want the public to be aware of this scam method to prevent victims from sending money out of fear.”
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Hodgins said three of the nine reports involved fraudsters threatening to kill the victim and their family. The scammers send them videos that appear to…
