Woman charged in $20K romance scam that victimized Hamilton man

Police have charged a woman from Niagara Falls after allegedly scamming a senior from Hamilton out of some $20,000.

The scam dates back to March of last year when the Hamilton Police Service says a 75-year-old man from Hamitlon met and developed a relationship with a woman.

Investigators say the woman claimed she needed financial assistance to cover her parents’ funeral expenses, and convinced the man to give her approximately $20,000.

Police say the woman assured the victim that the money would be repaid, but say the funds “were obtained through deception.”

A 58-year-old Niagara Falls woman was arrested on July 22 and charged.

Hamilton police say Vicky Medalla, 58, of Niagara Falls, has been charged with fraud over $5,000.

Police say the accused was already on two separate forms of judicial release in connection with similar alleged offences in Kitchener and Hamilton. Her bail was opposed due to “the repeated nature of the alleged offences,” Hamilton police say.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims, and are asking anyone with information related to this investigation or who believes they may have been a victim to contact the Hamilton Police Service Crimes Against Seniors Unit at 905-540-5351.

Anonymous tips may also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, never have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says romance scams can occur when a fraudster convinces victims to enter a virtual, online relationship so the fraudster can gain your trust and affection.

“Fraudsters will try to use any means necessary to convince you that their requests are legitimate,” the centre says. “The majority of fraud is not committed by amateurs and they will use technology to their advantage.”

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says never to give out your personal information (name, address, DOB, SIN, banking credentials) online, never accept friend requests from people you do not know and to never send money to someone you haven’t met.

For more information on how to protect yourself and others from romance scams, click here.