POLICE are warning never to send money to anyone you’ve met online. Police photo.
Five people are under arrest in connection with an online romance scam ring whose members preyed on seniors in the Burlington area.
IF YOU think you are being defrauded or seek help call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Police said one lonely female senior was defrauded of more than $150,000 in the scheme, dubbed Operation Silver Fox.
A senior victim was contacted in October and November 2020 by a person claiming to be a retired Canadian Army Sergeant, named Darren Michaelson, according to Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS).
They “began an online romantic relationship,” police said in a September 15 release.
“Over a number of weeks, the victim was deceived into sending money to persons they believed were assisting Michaelson with legal troubles and assistance returning to Canada,” police said.
Detectives said the victim was defrauded of more than $150,000, presumably her life savings.
Halton police launched an investigation, called Operation Silver Fox, following a complaint.
Three Toronto men, aged 36, 35 and 28-year-olds, were charged with seven offences of fraud over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
Two women, a 21-year-old from Oakville and 38-year-old from London, Ont., have also been charged with fraud related offences.
Police said more arrests are pending as they believe there may be additional victims.
Investigators would like to remind residents of the danger and frequency of these types of scam.
Officers are warning not to send money or gift cards to persons you have not met in person. Do not provide your personal information such as financial documents, identification or passwords when communicating online.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Constable Derek Gray of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Seniors Liaison Team at 905-825-4747 ext. 2344
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.