Alleged notorious ‘romance scammer’ arrested by York regional police

A man suspected of being a prolific romance scammer who allegedly bilked numerous women out of significant sums of money has been arrested by York Regional Police in Vaughan.

In a release police said they learned in September 2022 that a man wanted for several fraud-related charges in Quebec was “attempting to evade police” by hiding out in the Vaughan area.

On Wednesday, York police arrested Andre Marcel Vautour, 47, of no fixed address.

He will be taken to Quebec where he will face fraud charges.

Police confirm with CityNews that Vautour is the same man who has made headlines across Canada for his alleged spree of romance scams.

“In these types of frauds, the suspect creates a persona, often with fake details. Suspects use a number of tactics and schemes to build trust and establish a relationship with victims,” York regional police said.

“These relationships often progress very quickly to an emotional point where the victim is so invested in the relationship that they feel compelled to help when the suspect begins to ask for money.”

A previous Canadian Press report outlined the experiences of three of his alleged victims who described whirlwind romances, followed by requests for money. After money was handed over, the suspect would vanish.

One woman said Vautour told her he suffered from Crohn’s disease and needed cash for his medication after his wallet was stolen. She says she gave him $5,000 and then “he ghosted me.”

Another alleged victim said he stole over $45,000 from her.

“My trust is shot,” she told the Canadian Press. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about it.”