in this dating apps era, romance scams are taking place much often. Recently, a case of romance scam in Calgary lit up after the death of a lady.
Victim’s sister Karen Ringham shared the tragic consequences which led her sister to the suicide.
Ringham’s sister fell in love with a guy named Ryan whom she met on a dating app. She was head to toes in love with the guy.
The lady was living in British Columbia whereas Ryan was working on an oil rig in Kuwait.
Both were about to get married and wanted to travel the world afterwards. But somehow, the boy came across some serious financial crisis. He asked her for the financial support as his bank accounts were tied.
The couple never met each other neither face to face nor via video calls.
The boy was kept asking for the money and keeps on lending him money or helping him as she was in love with him.
But sooner things started getting darker. She had to lose her house and fallen into debt. The love turned into harassment.
Karen said, “They threatened her with jail. They threatened her all the time that the police were going to come and get her. She was terrified about that.”
Due to this, Romance scam Ringham’s sister lost about $960,000. Therefore, she took her own life.
Romance Scam – Reports & Statements:
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported about the $25 million loss because of romance scam in the year 2018.
Meanwhile, Better Business Bureau said that all these dating apps and sites have made the romance scam much easier. Reportedly, BBB said that in both Canada and US romance scam victims have undergone $1 billion loss in just 3 three years.
Ringham told this story to aware people about the romance scam and to save them from becoming victims as her sister.
Manager of community and Public Relations, Karla Davis said, “Be curious. Have a sceptic mind and ask questions. If someone is genuinely interested in you but doesn’t want you to share details that would make you feel comfortable with them that is a red flag.”