Beware of instant online lovers at this time of the year.

The RCMP is warning love-seekers to beware of online romance scams as they search for a sweetheart for Valentine’s Day, on February 14.

“If you are searching for love online, the RCMP is asking that you stay vigilant,” the Mounties said in a news release. “In 2020 the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported Canadians lost more than $18.5 million to scammers pretending to be in love.”

The love scam is one of the most common used by fraudsters at this time of the year.

Officers said the heart-breakers use fake profiles on social media and “through popular dating apps to gain the trust of victims over a period of time before stealing from them.”

Members of the force stress that you should recognize the signs in a new online relationship.

Beware if the person goes quickly from initial contact to ‘love’; the person claims to live nearby but works out of country and insist they have a good job but ask for money.

“Never send money,” the release states. “Requesting money is a tell-tale sign of a scam.”

Police warn never agree to accept and transfer money or goods because ‘this is helping someone to commit fraud and it is illegal.”

Police say never share intimate photos, since it can lead to blackmail attempts and never share personal or financial information.

“This information can provide access to your personal computer and accounts,” police warn.

They said if you are a victim of a scam to contact your bank and halt any outstanding payments.

Contact 22 Division at 416-808-2200 or the Canadian Anti –Fraud Centre by phoning 1-888-495-8501.