More than 5,000 Australians warned as potential victims of romance scammers based in the Philippines

Australian authorities urge the public to protect both their hearts and their wallets.

The potential romance scam victims were identified following an investigation by Philippines authorities into a scam compound operating in central Manila in November 2024. Credit: Getty / Celia Osk and Supplied by Australian Federal Police

Key Points

• Around 5,000 Australians, mostly men, have been identified as potential victims of a romance scam operation based in the Philippines.
• Authorities in the Philippines previously raided a scam operation compound in Manila in November 2024. Evidence from the raid was shared with international law enforcement agencies to help identify victims as well as those being targeted, including Australians.
• The National Anti-Scam Centre and the Joint Policing Cybercrime Collaboration Centre, led by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), have sent text alerts warning potential victims.

LISTEN TO THE REPORT:

More than 5,000 Australians warned as potential victims of romance scammers based in the Philippines

SBS Filipino

07:46Filipino