How to avoid romance scams in Australia

Last year alone, over 3,200 romance scams were reported by Australians, resulting in losses of more than $23 million. Three experts explain how scammers operate, the red flags to watch for, and what to do if you’re the victim of a romance scam.

A romance scam involves fraudsters creating fake online identities to deceive victims into fake relationships. Credit: Moment RF / Sutthichai Supapornpasupad/Getty Images

Key Points

• Romance scams cost Australians over $23 million last year, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive victims.
• While older adults, widowers, divorcees, migrants and Indigenous people are often targeted, anyone looking for love online can fall victim.
• Scammers build trust quickly, using emotional manipulation to ask for money or personal details.
• Knowing the red flags (inability to meet in person, secrecy, and requests for money) can help protect you and your loved ones.

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