Staff at Gander International Airport in central Newfoundland observed an increase in arrivals expecting to meet online contacts who do not exist, prompting a social media warning to check on vulnerable loved ones, particularly seniors.
Victims, often elderly and widowed, arrive dressed up with anticipation, only to learn from staff that the person and flight details are fabricated, leaving them distressed after typically sending money to the scammer.
Airport officials noted six such cases in the past month, with one instance requiring hours of assistance from staff to locate family for a victim who had no immediate support.
Reg Wright, chief executive of Gander International Airport, described the emotional toll on staff and victims as crushing, urging families to intervene in deep online relationships by asking questions.
Reg Wright shared, “We’ve got to look out for each other, because I tell you, once people get separated a little bit, and isolated and lonely, there’s a huge vulnerability there. If there’s someone in your family who’s engaged deeply in an online relationship, you probably need to nose yourself into the frame and ask a few questions.”
