New romance & investment scam primarily targeting Chinese community, Toronto (York), 2021

[dotr]

Romance scam targeting Chinese community bilks victims out of $1.8M | Toronto Sun
''Investigators from the Financial Crimes Unit said there has been significant increase in these incidents being reported, with victims losing thousands of dollars to more than $1 million.''

''There have been at least 15 victims in their 20s to 50s, police said in a statement released Thursday.

The scammers contact the victims — primarily women — through social media, WeChat or dating apps, and strike up a conversation of “a romantic nature.” As the online relationship flourishes, the fraudsters recommend “an exciting investment opportunity for the victim to participate in, promising large returns,” police said.''

''Anyone who has information or who believes they may have been a victim of fraud and lost money can report the incident to police by calling 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6627.

To report frauds where no money has been lost, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501''

 

[dotr]

Public Advisory: Fraud Alert, Toronto Chinese Community Targeted in Fraud Scheme

www.tps.ca

''Public Advisory: Fraud Alert,
Toronto Chinese Community Targeted in Fraud Scheme​

Unit:

Financial Crimes
Published: Wednesday, December 13, 2023, 4:13 PM

SHARE (OPENS IN NEW WINDOW)
The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of an increase in the frequency of frauds specifically targeting the Chinese community.
It is reported:

• the complainant will receive an unsolicited telephone call from a Mandarin speaking person
• the caller often identifies themselves as a telephone operator with a major cellular telephone company
• the caller advises that a cellular telephone account was opened in China under the complainant’s name
• the caller then advises that this account was used to commit fraud
• the complainant is then transferred to another person who identifies as a police officer in China
• the “police officer” advises the complainant they are being investigated for fraud and then threatens the complainant with extradition unless funds are provided

OR

• the “police officer” requests funds be sent in order for the complainant’s name to be cleared in China

The Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes Unit wants the public to be aware of this scam and to watch for the following red flags:

• threats of extradition from Canada by a foreign national
• demands for payment to cover the costs of an investigation or to pay for damages of an overseas crime
• the call is threatening in nature

The Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes Unit advises the following:

• do not provide any personal information or banking details to anyone over the telephone
• do not provide any copies of your passport or other identification
• do not transfer funds overseas, including cryptocurrency, in response to demands made over the telephone
• if you have provided personal information or banking details to anyone, it is advised to contact a credit agency, TransUnion Canada and/or Equifax, and have your accounts monitored

Anyone who has information, or who thinks they may have been a victim of this scam, should contact police at 416-808-7300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.''