Woman loses $27,000 to dating site scam artist

NORTH VANCOUVER — A North Vancouver woman lost $27,000 after a man she met on the dating website match.com convinced her to send cash to help bail out his company.

Once he had the money, it was the man who bailed.

RCMP issued a warning Tuesday to anyone using dating websites to never disclose banking or personal information, such as your address, to people you meet online. Also, be wary if a supposed love interest refuses to meet in person or talk via webcam, since many scammers fabricate photographs, resumés and job titles.

Police said scammers will make up stories and ask victims to send money they promise to pay back, but never do.

“Tens of thousands of dollars are scammed from online daters each year,” said Const. Brett Cunningham of the North Vancouver RCMP. “It’s heartbreaking and frustrating to investigate these types of frauds. The victim is suffering both an emotional and financial loss.”