AUSTRALIANS BEING SCAMMED BY FALSE PROMISES OF LOVE
HOW MUCH ROMANCE SCAMS COST AUSTRALIANS
* $27.9 million
* Up by more than 10 per cent in 2014
* No.1 scam in terms of financial losses
* $75,000 lost every day
HOW MUCH INDIVIDUALS LOST
* More than $27,000 on average
* A third of victims lost more than $10,000
* 81 victims lost more than $100,000
* Seven lost more than $500,000
THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG
* Makes up only three per cent of all scam reports
* Money lost by 1032 people
* Another 1465 contacted by scammer, but didn't lose money
* Many victims reluctant to admit they fell for a scam
HOW ROMANCE SCAMMERS MEET THEIR VICTIMS
* Almost 30 per cent through social media channels
* Almost same as contacts on dating websites
* Also use email and regular mail
* Equally target men and women
* 45-64 the most affected age group
WHAT THE ACCC WANTS SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES TO DO
* Provide warnings about sending money to people met online
* Behind-the-scenes work to identify scammers
* Help keep scammers off
TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF
* Be careful about how much personal info you share
* Search admirer on Google Images - they often use fake photos
* Be wary if moved off dating website - scammers prefer private emails/phone to avoid detection
* Watch for spelling and grammar mistakes, inconsistencies in stories, multiple excuses for why they need your money
* Never send money to someone met online, especially via money order, wire transfer or international funds transfer
* Never provide financial details
* Never share photos/videos of a personal nature - scammers use them to blackmail you
* Get advice from friend/relative before sending money
IF YOU THINK YOU'RE BEING SCAMMED
* Contact bank or financial institution immediately
* Report it to www.scamwatch.com.au
* Tell social media/dating site
Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Data for 2014.
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