New data from Scamwatch reveals that romance scams cost Australians over $40 million in 2022. With an increase of eight percent in reports compared to the previous year, it's crucial for Australians to take action and protect their loved ones from the heartache caused by scams.

The Importance of Being Vigilant

As more people meet potential partners through social media and mobile dating apps, the need to verify the authenticity of online connections has never been greater. Scammers use deceitful tactics to exploit victims emotionally and financially, making it essential to be absolutely sure of who you're communicating with, according to ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe.

The Power of Awareness and Conversation

Distressing stories of romance scams are unfortunately all too common. That's why it's vital for friends, family, businesses, and the community to have open discussions about scams. By checking in with our loved ones, we can help them recognize the signs of a fake online relationship.

Recognizing Signs of Romance Scams

To protect against romance scams, it's important to be aware of the following signs:

1. Inability to meet in person: Scammers often claim to live overseas or interstate, using professions like military personnel, doctors, or oil rig workers as excuses.
2. Eliciting empathy: Scammers frequently present themselves as divorced or widowed individuals with children, aiming to gain sympathy and trust.
3. Requesting financial help: After establishing trust, scammers may ask for money to cover medical expenses, travel costs, or family crises.
4. Claiming financial stability while asking for money: Scammers may promise guaranteed payments, but require funds to finalize deals or escape supposed detentions. The scenarios they present can be extensive.
5. Investment requests: Scammers may use romance scams as a gateway to lure victims into investment scams, known as romance-baiting.

Tactics Employed by Romance Scammers

To deceive victims, scammers employ various tactics:

1. Expressing love quickly and frequent contact: Scammers spend time "grooming" their victims, showering them with professions of love and emotionally evoking personal stories. They may even send gifts.
2. Moving off the platform or app: Scammers often suggest shifting the relationship to more private channels, such as phone calls, emails, or messaging apps like WhatsApp. This ensures that their interactions remain hidden from law enforcement and platform moderation.
3. Increasing desperation and pressure: If victims hesitate to send money, scammers may intensify their messages and calls, becoming more desperate, persistent, or direct. If victims do send money, scammers continue to ask for more.

Have the Conversation and Take Action

If you suspect someone you know is involved in a romance scam, approach them calmly and ask gentle questions about their online relationship. Encourage them not to share personal photos or videos, as these can be used for blackmail. Advise them to contact their bank immediately if they have already lost money.

Together, we can protect our loved ones from falling victim to romance scams. Share this information and empower others to have heart-to-heart conversations that can make a difference.

(Source: ACCC - Australian Competition and Consumer Commission)