Waterloo Regional Police Remind the Public to be Cautious While Meeting People Online

On April 11, 2021, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Waterloo Regional Police responded to the area of Fairway Road in Kitchener for reports of an assault.

The victim reported meeting the suspect online before agreeing to meet in person. During their interaction the suspect reportedly assaulted the victim before fleeing the area. The Remote Piloted Vehicle (RPV) was used in efforts to locate the suspect. At approximately 10:20 p.m., a 19-year-old Kitchener male was arrested and charged with assault and overcoming resistance by choking.

Waterloo Regional Police remind the public to be cautious and encourage people to protect themselves by learning the risks and having a safety plan when it comes to meeting people online.

Before you meet, we recommend doing your research:

• Try to learn a little more about the person than what's on their profile.
• Do not share your full name or personal details on your profile. This is includes your date of birth, where you work and live. After you get to know the person, you can share more about yourself.
• Protect yourself. Don't share images of yourself that you don't want the public to know.
• Don't feel pressure to meet someone that you are not comfortable with.

Until you get to know the person:

• Meet in a public place
• Inform a friend or family member about the location of the date/meeting. This allows them an opportunity to be present or in the vicinity should something go wrong.
• Stay aware and alert- don't leave drinks unattended.  If are reluctant or have feelings of discomfort throughout the date, leave.
• Drive yourself or take public transit
• If you feel ready to move to a private environment, make sure you don't feel pressured in any way. 

Not everyone you meet online is exactly who they claim to be. Several people have also fallen victim to identity fraud or romance scams as a result of online dating. If the person moves the relationship quickly from initial contact to 'love', or they claim to live nearby but work out of the country, and they claim to have a good job but ask for financial help, it could be scam. Don’t give out your financial information, or send money to anyone you don’t know.

If you become a victim as a result of online dating, we encourage you to report it to police immediately by calling 519-570-9777.

Occ: 21-080344 (907) 

Media Inquiries:

Waterloo Regional Police Service
Public Information Unit
519-570-9777 (WRPS) ext. 8188
publicinfo@wrps.on.ca

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