Overview

• Airport CEO Reg Wright says more travelers have been arriving to meet online contacts who do not exist after months of digital exchanges.
• Staff encountered six apparent victims in the past month and describe the experiences as emotionally crushing for workers and those deceived.
• Officials posted a public warning on social media urging families to check on loved ones, especially seniors engaged in online relationships.
• The Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP report anecdotal increases and advise relatives to intervene, help cut off contact, and watch for crisis-money requests or constant excuses to avoid meeting.
• Financial-crimes experts have warned this year that AI tools are making romance schemes more convincing, a trend Wright believes Gander reflects nationwide.