Scammers using new methods to rip you off
Dating and romance scams made up one fifth of losses across all scams reported to Scamwatch in 2019, with Australians reporting almost 4000 of these scams last year alone.
In 2019, losses of more than $28.6 million were recorded, which, considering the potentially embarrassing nature of reporting these scams, could be just the tip of the iceberg.
Around 37.5 per cent of reports resulted in a loss, with an average loss of more than $19,000.
The highest losses were from romance scams on Instagram and Facebook. Conventional dating platforms, such as Tinder or Match.com, also had high losses.
Scammers are increasingly turning to apps like Google Hangouts, or online games such as Words with Friends and Scrabble to con their victims.
“We’ve seen an increase in reports from people who did not originally seek an online relationship but have been caught up in a dating and romance scam,” said ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard.
“No longer are dating websites the only contact method for dating and romance scams, with an increasing number of reports coming from these emerging websites and apps.”
“Romance scams are particularly devastating because not only are there financial losses, but there is also an emotional toll for the victim, which can have lasting psychological impacts on people,” said Ms Rickard.
Scammers try to seduce the target using the persona they have created, and will weave complicated stories about why they can’t meet in person, asking the victim to send money or provide financial aid so they can meet up with them.
If the person sends money, the scammer will ask for more, and if they don’t, the scammer may become aggressive, blackmail or manipulate their victim.
“If you’re interacting with someone online, it’s important to be alert and consider the possibility that the approach may be a scam,” said Ms Rickard.
“Don’t give out personal information, including your financial details, to anybody you haven’t met in person, no matter who they say they are, and don’t share intimate photos or use webcams in an intimate setting.
“Don’t agree to carry packages internationally or agree to transfer money for someone else as you may be inadvertently committing a crime.”
“If you become concerned by the conversation, such as if the person is asking for ‘favours’ or money, cease communication."
People who think they may have provided their banking details to a scammer should contact their bank or financial institution.
They can also report a scam to the ACCC through Scamwatch, which offers further information on where to get help, and how to protect yourself from scams. For more facts and figures about these types of dating and romance scams, see the ACCC media release.
They rob you from overseas online then they come here to violently home invade rob our citizens and retailers. No wonder citizens and businesses in USA are against proposed gun ownership prohibition.