Disclaimer: The names with asterisks (*) were changed for privacy.

In a world where technology has become a double-edged sword, the elderly are increasingly becoming prime targets for online scams, particularly romantic ones.

It's a sad truth that as time goes by, the quest for companionship can sometimes lead us down risky paths.

Thanks to this banker's vigilance, one citizen's search for love did not end in financial ruin.

National Australia Bank (NAB) Wheelers Hill Branch Manager Randi Dias became an unwitting hero when Sue*, an octogenarian, entered the bank with $10,000 in cash and a story that didn't quite add up.

Sue was ready to transfer the significant sum to a man she had met online, believing she was paying for home renovations in Victoria.

However, the account details she gave pointed to a bus driver in Western Australia, setting off an alarm for the bank manager.

National Australia Bank manager Randi Dias saved a customer from a $10,000 love scam. Image Credit: NAB

Dias engaged Sue in conversation and uncovered the truth behind the transaction.

'The customer was very open and chatty and told us about her boyfriend of 12 months, who she met online but hadn't yet met face-to-face,' she shared.

Sue showed their conversations via WhatsApp, to which Dias confirmed that her client was falling victim to a romance scam.

The man—who claimed to be an oil rig worker stranded in Malaysia—convinced Sue he was locked out of his Australian bank accounts and needed the money to return home.

'The scammer knew all the tricks, and their text messages were all about creating a feeling of social connection, which is what people on dating apps are often looking for,' Dias said.

Upon learning she was almost scammed, Sue initially felt embarrassed but ultimately grateful for Dias's help.

The revelation was 'heartbreaking' for Sue, but it underscored the importance of staying vigilant against such deceptions.

'I'm so grateful we could help Sue, and she didn't lose her money,' Dias said.

The NAB reported a 29 per cent increase in customer reports of romance scams from the previous year.

In a separate incident, another NAB employee in Melbourne stopped a love scam as one customer almost sent $2,000 to a scammer pretending to be her 'boyfriend overseas'.

Deep fake romance scams have also been prevalent over the last year, with over 400 reported cases across Australia.

Chris Sheehan, NAB's Group Investigations Executive, emphasised the 'devastating impact' of romance scams, which spare no demographic.

'While many Aussies now start long and successful relationships online, it is vital to know how to recognise a potential partner from a scammer,' he stated.

'Romance and friendship scams reinforce the need for a coordinated, national approach to the scam epidemic, given many start on dating apps, social media platforms or messaging apps.'

Sue's story is a cautionary tale to always approach online relationships with a healthy dose of scepticism.

If you or someone you know is considering an online relationship, here are some tips to stay safe:

1. Never send money or share financial details with someone you have not met.
2. Be wary of overly fast-moving relationships or those who avoid meeting face-to-face.
3. Do a reverse image search of profile pictures to check for authenticity.
4. Talk to friends or family about your online interactions; a fresh perspective can be invaluable.
5. Contact your bank immediately if you suspect you're being scammed.

The SDC's forums Scam Watch section is also available to inform us about the latest scams and how to prevent them.

Key Takeaways

• A Victorian bank teller saved a woman from losing $10,000 to a romance scam.
• The suspected scam involved a man claiming to be an oil rig worker in Malaysia, whom the woman met online.
• NAB reported a 29 per cent increase in customer reports of romance scams from the previous year and emphasised its impact.
• Deepfake romance scams have also been prevalent over the past year, with over 400 reported cases across Australia.

If you've experienced a similar situation or have advice to share, please leave your insights and experiences in the comments section.

 

[Dennis]

Once they start asking for money the alarm bells should start ringing.

 

[PattiB]

A bank to the rescue once again!

 

[CristinaV]

They say love is blind. How true! Seems that 80 years of living have taught this lady nothing. Shame......

 

[Clancieblue]

It's very sad to be lonely. and taken advantage off.

 

[SonsofPlatinum]

Western Union have a policy of checking details of relationship to overseas receiver ,you need to answer up to ten questions to ensure transfer takes place!

 

[Jo Piper3]

Thank God for the wonderful assistance from the bank.

 

[CristinaV]

Once they start asking for money the alarm bells should start ringing.

Some people are deaf to those bells......and colour blind to red herrings......and dismiss gut feelings.....and....and...