Romance and relationship scams

What are my rights?

Is it illegal if someone contacts me on a dating website using a fake identity?
  • Yes
  • Maybe
  • No

Would someone you’ve never met really declare their love for you after only a few letters or emails? Learn how to identify and guard against romance and relationship scams.

Spot the scam

Prevent problems

Who can help

  • This information applies to British Columbia, Canada
  • Reviewed for legal accuracy in July 2019
  • Time to read: 4 minutes

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We are grateful to work on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, whose Peoples continue to live on and care for these lands.