by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 9:15 AM ET, Wed October 8, 2025
The head of a central Newfoundland airport is warning the public after staff noticed an increase in people arriving at Gander International Airport believing they’re meeting a romantic partner—only to discover they’ve fallen victim to a manipulative online scam known as catfishing.
Reg Wright, chief executive of the Gander International Airport, told The Canadian Press that in recent weeks, several people have shown up to greet someone they’d been speaking with online, only to find that person doesn’t exist.
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The people are often elderly and perhaps widowed, he said, adding that the situation is “crushing” for both staff and victims. The pattern prompted airport officials to post a public warning on social media, urging people to check in on loved ones—especially seniors—and be cautious online.
“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,” Wright said in an interview with The Canadian Press.
“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,” he added.
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In an interview with CBC Radio’s Newfoundland Morning, Wright said staff had noticed multiple cases in a short period. “Asking around airport staff, there have been a half dozen in a month in a small light-density market of the ones we know of,” he said.
Gander Airport warns travellers after a rise in “catfishing” scams. (Photo Credit: Gander Airport/Facebook)
The warning was echoed in a candid Facebook post by the Gander International Airport, which began: “File this under posts we’d never thought we’d be making.”
“In recent months, airport staff have witnessed a troubling trend: people arriving at the airport to meet ‘loved ones’ they’ve been speaking to online, only to discover that the person doesn’t exist,” the post read. “Many have sent money, invested hope, and arrived here expecting joyful connections that never come.”
The airport’s statement emphasized that these victims aren’t naïve — they’re human.
“Before you dismiss it as gullibility, remember this: loneliness is powerful, and the search for connection is one of our most basic human needs,” the post said. “At its heart, this isn’t about foolishness or naivety. It’s about people looking for love and being met with deception.”
“It’s crushing for us to see someone arrive at the airport dressed sharply, flowers in hand, and hope in their heart—only to discover no one is coming,” the airport wrote. “Honestly, we haven’t had this many broken hearts around YQX since the Leafs’ last playoff run. Or when Clooney finally got married.”
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Catfishing involves using a fake online persona to deceive someone, often for financial gain. Wright told The Canadian Press that airport staff have encountered six such victims in the past month alone. Some arrive with fake travel itineraries—complete with fabricated flight numbers—believing their online partner is about to land.
“They arrive in their Sunday best, with a fresh coat of lipstick and hearts full of love and anticipation,” Wright said. “Staff have to tell them something is wrong.”
The airport encouraged the public to stay vigilant and offered advice for protecting themselves and loved ones:
- Be cautious if someone you’ve only met online asks for money, travel costs, or personal details.
- Check in on loved ones, especially seniors, and gently ask questions if they appear deeply involved in an online relationship.
- If targeted or suspicious, contact the RCMP or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey with the Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP told The Canadian Press that while official figures aren’t available, online romance scams such as catfishing appear to be increasing.
Some victims, he said, are so traumatized and humiliated that they hide their experiences—even from close family members—despite suffering devastating financial losses.
O’Donaghey urged anyone who suspects a loved one may be falling victim to a catfishing scam to approach the situation with empathy and help them sever all contact with the scammer.
“It can be hard for victims to see the relationship is made up,” he said. Warning signs include online partners who avoid meeting in person or who invent crises and request money.
“There’s a lot to it, it’s so convoluted. That’s why it can be successful,” O’Donaghey told The Canadian Press.
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