A Toronto widow has been defrauded of her home and $440,000 in savings through a complex online scam lasting a number of years.
The victim, a former City of Toronto employee, became involved in a long-term relationship with a fraud suspect online.
Police say the woman was defrauded $40,000 after being convinced by a suspect to help with a “series of falsified financial issues.” She sold her condominium and had used the proceeds towards an alleged court-ordered compensation of $22 million, issued by the Nigerian courts.
The fraud suspect(s) had then used real identities of employees at the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United Nations to convince the woman she could claim a court award. In doing so, she sent money to them to cover various fees, taxes and bribes for local officials in Nigeria.
Detectives said the complex scheme took place over seven years and had used fake news releases.
Through the pursuit of her alleged “compensation,” police said the victim was defrauded of an additional $400,000.
Toronto police urge people to be extremely cautious when communicating with strangers online, particularly when being solicited for money.
Victims of fraud scams should contact their local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Anyone with information, questions or concerns is asked to contact Detective Alan Spratt of Toronto police at 416-808-7300 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).