Online romance scam cost 7 women $1.5M, police say

Police say they have taken down an online romance scam that investigators say cost seven people $1.5 million.

York Regional Police say they have laid over 40 charges against nine people in connection with the case and believe there are more victims.

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They allege the group had been operating a criminal network that targeted women on dating websites.

They say the group created false profiles, using the names Benjamin D. Baker and Ryan Hull, and worked hard to create emotional, trusting relationships with these women.

Then police say they'd ask for money and the relationships were so strong the women felt compelled to help.

York police say there were a "very large" number of women who caught on to the scam and didn't give money.