The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary issued a public warning on February 12, 2026, to residents in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, about a rise in online romance scams. Police are asking the community to be alert as scammers often use the weeks around Valentine’s Day to target people who are looking for a relationship.
According to the police, common warning signs include a relationship that moves very quickly or a stranger asking for money before meeting in person. Fraudsters may also pressure victims to keep their money transfers a secret from friends and family.
The impact of these crimes can be life-changing, as seen in a 2025 case where a local woman lost $500,000 to a person she met online. Information from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police shows that across the country, people reported losing a total of $58 million to romance scams in 2024.
Residents who believe they are being targeted should stop all contact immediately and save all phone messages and emails as evidence. The police recommend reporting any suspicious activity to local officers or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to help stop others from being cheated.
