LOOKING for love this Valentine's Day? Be wary of giving your heart to a scammer.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is warning people to be on the lookout for online romance scams.
According to the commission, social media is now the most common method scammers use to contact potential victims.
Facebook is the most popular contact method, and those aged 45 or over are most likely to be affected.
"Romance scammers are getting increasingly manipulative so if you are going online this Valentine's Day to look for love, it's absolutely vital that you're able recognise the warning signs," said the commission's deputy chair Delia Rickard.
"This is particularly the case when using dating websites or apps or if you're contacted by someone you don't know through social media.
"Scammers create very believable profiles, including stealing the identities of real, trusted people such as military personnel, aid workers or professionals working abroad. If you meet someone who seems too good to be true, do some research to see if they're the real deal."
Last year more than $25 million was lost to romance scams, with 4100 Australians reporting dating scams to the commission's Scamwatch service.
How to spot a scammer
Ms Rickard said there were a few scammer warning signs to look for, including inconsistencies in their stories.
"For example, do they say they are university educated but have poor English and grammar? Is their profile picture legitimate or stolen? These are red flags that you're likely dealing with a scammer," she said.
"Also be careful when someone expresses strong feelings quickly after you meet them. A scammer's currency is 'love at first type' - they will use your emotions against you and leave you devastated financially and emotionally," Ms Rickard said.
"Perhaps the biggest warning sign is when a scammer asks you for money. After gaining your trust - often waiting weeks, months or even years - they tell you an elaborate story involving some crisis, or plan to travel to see you and ask for money, gifts or your bank account/credit card details.
"This is a scammer's end-game: to abuse your trust so they can steal your money. Don't fall for their con - look after yourself when online and don't be afraid to cut off contact if something doesn't feel right to you," Ms Rickard said.
Scamwatch tips
- Never provide your financial details or send funds to someone you've met online. Scammers particularly seek money orders, wire transfers or international funds transfer as it's rare to recover money sent this way.
- Run a Google Image search to check the authenticity of any photos provided as scammers often use fake photos they've found online.
- Be very wary if you are moved off a dating website as scammers prefer to correspond through private emails or the phone to avoid detection.
- Don't share intimate photos or use webcams in an intimate setting. The ACCC has received reports of scammers using such photos or webcam recordings to blackmail victims.
- If you think you have fallen victim to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately and report it to www.scamwatch.gov.au
