Heartbreaking loss: Woman loses $50,000 after online boyfriend disappears
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Disclaimer: The names in asterisks (*) were changed for privacy.
In the digital age, looking for love and companionship has transcended the traditional boundaries of physical interaction.
This led many people to explore the uncharted waters of online dating.
While the internet has successfully matched countless couples, it has also become a breeding ground for deception and heartache.
Karen* shared her cautionary tale, echoing the experiences of many who were left not only emotionally shattered but also financially devastated.
Karen's story began after a promise of love from a man who claimed to live overseas.
After weeks of conversation and building trust, her online beau asked if he could borrow $50,000 to fund his education.
Trusting that she was helping her partner, Karen compiled and sent the money.
As Karen set out overseas to meet her online partner, he never showed up and duped Karen both emotionally and financially.
The toll of such scams is immeasurable, and Karen's situation is just one of many reports.
South Australia Police (SAPOL) Cybercrime Division's Sergeant David Mitchell warned about these romance scams.
'Scammers typically create fake online profiles designed to lure you in,' Sergeant Mitchell shared.
Some of these scammers assume the identities of real individuals living abroad.
'They have even been known to phone their victims as a first introduction. These scams are also known as "catfishing",' he added.
As part of Scams Awareness Week, SAPOL also shared that South Australians alone lost about $2.1 million in 2023 through romance scams.
Australians, in general, have been swindled out of more than $40 million through the same scheme.
According to additional data, these scammers often target people over 55 years old and reach out to them via social media or dating website platforms.
Romance baiting is a technique where scammers cultivate a relationship before luring victims into fraudulent investments.
Telltale signs of these scams include swift declarations of love, promises of commitment, excuses for malfunctioning webcams, and postponed meetings.
Scammers also tell their victims what to tell bank tellers to avoid suspicion.
Authorities advised not to send money to anonymous online accounts.
They also reminded citizens about maintaining a healthy scepticism and making decisions without emotional influence.
Always verify the identity of an online admirer through image search and be wary of inconsistencies in their stories.
Lastly, stay cautious with personal information and do not give them out to anyone.
The rise of online dating has expanded the horizons for finding love, but it also increased the risk of falling victim to scams.
It's essential to approach online relationships with caution, awareness, and a strong sense of self-preservation.
Have you or someone you know experienced a romance scam? Share your experiences and online safety tips in the comments below to help others recognise the warning signs.
In the digital age, looking for love and companionship has transcended the traditional boundaries of physical interaction.
This led many people to explore the uncharted waters of online dating.
While the internet has successfully matched countless couples, it has also become a breeding ground for deception and heartache.
Karen* shared her cautionary tale, echoing the experiences of many who were left not only emotionally shattered but also financially devastated.
Karen's story began after a promise of love from a man who claimed to live overseas.
After weeks of conversation and building trust, her online beau asked if he could borrow $50,000 to fund his education.
Trusting that she was helping her partner, Karen compiled and sent the money.
Karen* believed she was helping her online partner with their education, but ended up losing a huge sum of money. Image Credit: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio
As Karen set out overseas to meet her online partner, he never showed up and duped Karen both emotionally and financially.
The toll of such scams is immeasurable, and Karen's situation is just one of many reports.
South Australia Police (SAPOL) Cybercrime Division's Sergeant David Mitchell warned about these romance scams.
'Scammers typically create fake online profiles designed to lure you in,' Sergeant Mitchell shared.
Some of these scammers assume the identities of real individuals living abroad.
'They have even been known to phone their victims as a first introduction. These scams are also known as "catfishing",' he added.
As part of Scams Awareness Week, SAPOL also shared that South Australians alone lost about $2.1 million in 2023 through romance scams.
Australians, in general, have been swindled out of more than $40 million through the same scheme.
According to additional data, these scammers often target people over 55 years old and reach out to them via social media or dating website platforms.
Romance baiting is a technique where scammers cultivate a relationship before luring victims into fraudulent investments.
Telltale signs of these scams include swift declarations of love, promises of commitment, excuses for malfunctioning webcams, and postponed meetings.
Scammers also tell their victims what to tell bank tellers to avoid suspicion.
Authorities advised not to send money to anonymous online accounts.
They also reminded citizens about maintaining a healthy scepticism and making decisions without emotional influence.
Always verify the identity of an online admirer through image search and be wary of inconsistencies in their stories.
Lastly, stay cautious with personal information and do not give them out to anyone.
The rise of online dating has expanded the horizons for finding love, but it also increased the risk of falling victim to scams.
It's essential to approach online relationships with caution, awareness, and a strong sense of self-preservation.
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