Protect yourself from romance scams
They often begin with what feels like a genuine emotional connection formed through social media, dating apps and online messaging platforms.
The 'emergency' scam scam
The scammer creates a fake identity online and builds a relationship with you over time. Once they have built trust, they claim they are facing an urgent crisis and need you to send them money to help.
Example scam
Someone you are about says they are in hospital, stuck overseas or dealing with visa issues and urgently need money. After the payment is sent, communication stops.
View tips on emergency scams
Urgency or pressure
The situation is always urgent, pressuring you to act quickly without verifying details. Examples can include:
Medical bills
Stuck overseas
Visa issues
Business debt
Request for financial help
You may be asked to send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Even if the relationship feels real, avoid sending money to someone you haven’t met in person.
No real-life contact
Scammers often make excuses for why they can't meet, video call or confirm their identity. Fake photos and stolen profiles are commonly used.
Relationship moves quickly
Strong emotions and future plans may be introduced early to build trust and lower your guard.
Inconsistencies
Details about their life, work or circumstances may change or feel unclear. Small inconsistencies can be warning signs.
The investment scam
After building trust, the scammer offers an investment opportunity that they claim will bring large returns. However the investment opportunity never existed.
Example
Someone you've been speaking with encourages you to invest in cryptocurrency or trading opportunities. After transferring funds, you discover the investment doesn't exist.
View tips on investment scams
Too good to be true?
If the investment opportunity seems too good to be true, chances are it is. Always do your own independent research before making any investment.
Sense of urgency
You may be told the opportunity is limited or time-sensitive to prevent you from seeking advice.
Request for money
You may be asked to transfer money into unfamiliar platforms, overseas accounts or directly to the scammer so they can invest on your behalf.
Acting as a financial advisor
Do not rely on any financial advice coming from someone you met online especially if they are unqualified to provide financial advice.
Secrecy
You may be encouraged not to tell family, friends or your bank. Genuine investments don't require secrecy.
The money mule scam
Not all romance scams involve directly asking for money. Some scammers will have you carry out illegal activity on their behalf such as money laundering.
Example
Someone claims they can't access their account and asks you to transfer funds to another person or business on their behalf.
View tips on money mule scams
Transfer of money
Never move money for someone you don't know. Do not accept incoming transfers if you do not know where the money is coming from.
Excuses for limited account access
Scammers may claim they are locked out of their account, overseas, or in a remote location, unable to make a transfer.
Isolation
You may be asked to keep the transaction private or reassured that it's temporary.
It's a long game
Not all scams happen quickly. Romance scams can unfold slowly with the scammer investing a lot of time building trust.
But who knows how to spot a romance scam? You do. That’s who.
Romance scammers rely on emotional connection to cloud your judgment. Even if a relationship seems genuine, it could be just one request for money away from turning into a romance scam.
Make sure you always speak to a trusted family member or friend before pursuing an online romance further. An outsider perspective can help identify potential warning signs that you may otherwise not notice when emotions are involved.
Sources
https://www.austrac.gov.au/duped-love-how-romance-scam-led-money-laundering
https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/relationship-scams
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-romance-scams
The information in this communication is general in nature and is intended to raise awareness about common scam tactics and preventative measures. While the information may assist you in mitigating your exposure to scams and fraud, this is not guaranteed in any way.
Examples are illustrative only and are subject to the assumptions and qualifications disclosed. Whilst care has been taken in preparing the content, no liability is accepted for any errors or omissions in this communication, and/or losses or liabilities arising from any reliance on this communication.