For anyone who has struggled to find a date for Valentine's Day, just know it could be worse.
Coquitlam RCMP are seeking the public's assistance in identifying a man they called an "internet romance fraud suspect" who stole a woman's house keys and bank cards just days after meeting her online.
The incident began on Jan. 1 when the suspect responded to a personal ad posted by the victim.
"The man was very charming and was soon staying at the victim's house," police said in a press release. "The victim found herself spending all her time with the suspect but she never went to the suspect's residence and never saw his vehicle."
One week later, the man disappeared, taking the victim's house keys and bank cards in the process. Money was withdrawn from her accounts; police said the suspect's phone number and email address have since changed and he does not live at the address he initially claimed.
Investigators believe there may be other victims and want to talk to them.
Mounties have linked the suspect with three similar cases in the Metro Vancouver area and are asking anyone who may have come into contact with the man to call police immediately.
"Investigators believe there is a strong possibility that other women have been, or will be, the subject of this scam," said Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. "We want to make sure no more women are victimized and we are asking for your help to identify the suspect as soon as possible."
According to police, the suspect is about 45 years old with a stocky build and a round face. He is 6'3", weighs about 250 lb., with dark brown hair that may be in a ponytail, a trim beard and blue eyes. The suspect goes by multiple aliases, including Richard Harvey Silver, Jack Harvey, Dan Whelan and James Whelan.
"Good, trusting people are most vulnerable to romance fraudsters but there are ways to protect yourself," McLaughlin said. "Whether online or otherwise, be careful of people who want to get too close, too quickly and who always want you to pay."
Anyone with any information about the suspect is asked to contact Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and ask for Const. Sienna Cook.
@gmckennaTC
