Vancouver Island man charged after dozens duped in dating app scams

A man on Vancouver Island is facing over a dozen charges after investigators say more than $200,000 was swindled from people using dating apps.

According to the Saanich Police Department (SPD), the scams are believed to have happened over three years, and dozens of people were impacted both financially and personally.

Police say investigators started looking into a romance scam in 2019, where a man allegedly used “dating apps to connect with people with the intent to obtain money.”

The man is said to have used “deception and false information” to get people to give him money under the guise that he would give it back.

Police say the man would then “limit contact” when the victim asked for the money back.

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On June 19, police say 29-year-old Brodie Brooks was arrested and is facing 16 charges, including fraud over $5,000, false pretence, fraud under $5,000, and impersonating a peace officer.

Brooks was released with conditions that include not using dating apps.

“This person was highly manipulative and deceptive in his scheme,” Const. Markus Anastasiades said.

“While each case is unique, we encourage people never to send money to anyone they have only communicated with online or by phone.”

How to avoid getting scammed 

The SPD says there are steps you can take to help protect against scams.

“Never under any circumstance send money for any reason. The scammer will make it seem like an emergency, they may even express distress or anger to make you feel guilty but DO NOT send money. END THE CONVERSATION!” the SPD writes.

Police say common reasons scammers may ask for money include medical bills, government fees, or outstanding mortgage bills.

If you spot a potential scammer, police say to reach out to app or website admin as scammers often have more than one account.

It warns to not share personal information like birthdays, financial information, or addresses if you’ve only recently met.

“Never send intimate photos or videos of yourself. The scammer may try to use these to blackmail you into sending money,” the SPD notes.

“Be proactive; tell family, friends, co-workers and neighbours about your experience to warn them about romance scams.”

Police are asking anyone with information to email the SPD’s Major Crime Unit at 22-5508@saanichpolice.ca