ONLINE DATING PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS

Our Cyber Investigations Team is Managed by a court recognized Expert on Internet and Social Media Investigations. A 28 year veteran of the Vancouver Police Department with 12 of those years being spent in the Technological Crimes Unit. This Team of Experts have Extensive Investigative Experience with International Cyber Scams and other Online related Investigations.

Today many people turn to online dating apps or social networking sites to meet someone. But instead of finding that special someone, they end of becoming a victim of an online dating scam.

We don’t necessarily always hear about someone falling victim to an online dating scam. Usually, it is because victims remain quiet and stoic, embarrassed or ashamed that they have been scammed by someone they met online. However, this is very common and it happens to both young and old – your friends, neighbours, men, and women from all different backgrounds and professions. You may become a victim when you least expect it and it will leave you mildly annoyed, heartbroken or even in financial ruin.

A COMMON THEME OF AN ONLINE DATING / ROMANCE SCAM

They will claim that they are within close proximity or domestically, in Canada or the United States. They may say that they are presently overseas due to work, schooling, religious obligations (such as being a missionary), or another critical obligation. If they are male, they might claim to be working on an oil rig or that they are a member of the military, a contractor, or an engineer of some sort, females may work as models or travelling nurses. They may say they are in the Peace Corp or a student of some sort. Some may say that they are born abroad and claim they need help due to an oppressive government. If they want you to fall in love with them, they will cut and paste from their list of text messages saturated with hugs and kisses and all the things you want to hear. They are usually having the same chats with several other people. They will also send you photographs (of them) or, at least you think the photos are of them.

They may send you items that at first glance appear to be authentic, to convince you that they are real and do exist. Some examples are a job contract (from an oil rig or contracting job), a copy of their passport or drivers licence , professional degrees, letters from lawyers/attorneys, etc. However, are these documents real or fictitious? They might ask you for a small amount of money within a week or so of communicating back and forth or meeting with them, testing the waters and your willingness. For more significant amounts, they may wait several weeks or a month or so, once they are convinced that you trust them. They promise to pay you back, including interest. Or, provide a dream of running off together to get married.

Be Vigilant, Don’t become a victim!

Learn more about who you are communicating online with.