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IN PHOTO: Ashley Madison founder Noel Biderman demonstrates his website on a tablet computer during an interview in Hong Kong August 28, 2013. Founded in 2002, Ashley Madison, the world's biggest online dating website for married men and women, has over 20 million users in 30 regions all over the world. REUTERS/Bobby Yip

It’s true that online dating isn’t always safe and we are definitely cautioned against it, but like they say, love is blind and mistakes are bound to happen when we fail to see the truth. A similar incident happen with an old woman in Ontario, Canada, when trusted a man online and lost $400,000.

The victim lost the whopping amount in an Internet fraud; police instantly sensed a romantic angle to the crime.

The couple had been seeing each other virtually for the last one year. Once the man gained her trust, he started asking for cash, saying he was "in hospital and dying with malaria" or given excuses like he had been robbed and needed money. She met the man through the online dating site that she had joined in mid 2014.

Brantford police said, he later started conning her on pretext of coming to Canada and "begin the rest of their life together." Altogether, she reportedly transferred approximately $400,000 to various bank accounts in Ghana and the U.K.

Though no arrest has been made so far in this case, the Brantford police confirmed getting the money back would be next to impossible. Meanwhile, police refused to reveal the name of woman and the dating site.

Takeaway For Those Involved In Online Dating

Police also found out that the man always insisted on talking thought Instant Messaging system — a warning sign, according to police since such mode of communication is less likely to be traced. They also exchanged emails and spoke over phone.

Important to mention that a report by Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reveals in 2014 alone, Canadians lost over $13 million in scams involving romance.

"The victim estimates at least 400 emails were sent back and forth, photographs were exchanged, [and] numerous daily conversations continued for almost a year," a police news release said.

The man reportedly lied about his nationality, saying he had dual citizenship of Germany and Canada. He even mentioned living in Hamilton sometime back. They developed an intense bond just in two months after meeting virtually.

The woman informed police that he enquired everything about her, but was reluctant to speak about his personal life. He often changed the topic whenever she tried to know something personal about him, said the old woman.

"The suitor spun a web of deceitful tales while continuously reassuring the victim of his devotion and undying love for her," the police news release said.

"It tugged at her heartstrings," said Const. Natalie Laing. "She's a very compassionate woman."

"Sadly, the chances of recovering the funds are usually slim-to-none."

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