Fictional scam example · 5 of 6
The relationship that turns into an investment
Trust builds over time, then a new online friend offers a special opportunity.
Read the example
What would make you pause? Open each explanation, then compare your next step.
Three things to notice
1. A personal connection becomes a financial pitch
Affection or friendship can be used to lower your guard around an investment.
2. A small withdrawal is offered as proof
CAFC warns that some fraudulent platforms allow small withdrawals to encourage larger deposits.
3. Pressure to isolate you
Discouraging discussion with trusted people takes away an independent check.
A safer next step
Do not send money or invest through a platform supplied by an unverified online contact. Speak with someone you trust and check the investment with your provincial or territorial securities regulator through independently found details.
These clues are not a definitive scam test. Some fraudulent messages are polished and have no obvious errors.
Sources & review
Source check: October 5, 2026. These links go to the original publishers; listing a source is not an endorsement. Safety and reporting guidance follows these official Canadian pages. Confirm current details there before acting.
Read our source standards →