Canada issues travel advisories due to online dating scams and other fraud

Travellers may want to take precautions when it comes to online, long-distance romances.

Online dating can be an efficient way to find a life partner and in most cases it is safe. But there are growing concerns about romance scams that might put travellers in danger.

Tourists should also be on the alert for other types of fraud when travelling. Scammers will take advantage of people unfamiliar with their country.

The Government of Canada maintains a Travel Advice and Advisories page to help travellers make informed decisions and travel safely outside Canada.

They analyze trends and incidents affecting international travellers, monitor world events and collect updated reports from different sources.

Here are some of the countries with travel advisories related to fraud:

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Colombia

Risks: High levels of crime and romance scams.

Reasons: There has been an increase in deaths related to online dating applications used by criminals to identify and lure foreigners looking to meet people in Colombia.

Victims often build virtual relationships and attend multiple dates with the same person, often in public places. Once trust is established, the victim is drugged with scopolamine or another incapacitating drug and is robbed and/or kidnapped. Drugging of victims has led to overdose and death.

Travellers should avoid border areas due to the risk of kidnapping and violent crime by illegal armed groups and other criminal organizations.

Chilie

Risks: Ongoing demonstrations and phone scams.

Reasons: There has been politically motivated violence in some parts of the Araucanía and Biobío regions of southern Chile.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Travellers should pay careful attention when others handle their cards, use ATMs in public areas, and avoid using card readers with irregular or unusual features.

Phone scams are also frequent in Chile. Never provide any personal or financial information over the phone. Never provide information about the whereabouts of your family members.

Spain

Risks: Threat of terrorism and online scams.

Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.

Spain also has reports of romance scams. If you’re travelling to Spain to meet someone you’ve otherwise only met online, you may be the victim of a scam, the advisory says. Be wary of attempts at fraud by persons who profess friendship or romantic interest over the internet.

Also, unsolicited emails offering enticing business or financial opportunities are most likely fraudulent. Never send funds to an unknown person. Don’t travel to Spain to obtain restitution after losing money to a scam.

Mexico

Risks: High levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.

Reasons: Levels of crime, particularly violent crime, are high throughout Mexico.

Disputes over timeshare arrangements occur. Timeshare sales representatives may be very persistent and often use pressure tactics to make a sale.

Members of criminal groups often pose as real estate representatives offering to buy your property for large amounts for use as a timeshare. They may never pay for the property or charge high administrative fees.

There are also concerns about online scams, including phishing emails and romance scams. Certain scams target senior citizens.

Italy

Risks: Threat of terrorism and crime.

Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks elsewhere in Europe are likely.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs and the advisory suggests people pay attention when others are handling your cards. Use ATMs in public areas or inside banks. Check for any unauthorized transactions on account statements.

Cybercrime is also a concern. Criminals may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information.

For a complete list of advisories and further information, see the website here.

Lead photo of Valledupar, Cesar, Colombia: Victor Martinez