Heartbreaking loss: Woman loses $50,000 after online boyfriend disappears

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.


compressed-online scam.jpeg
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.
Key Takeaways

  • An Adelaide woman named Karen lost $50,000 to a romance scammer who she met online.
  • Romance scams cost Australians $40 million in 2023, with South Australians losing $2.1 million.
  • Scammers often target older individuals over 55 and create elaborate stories to ask for money.
  • Police advised to never send money to someone you haven't met in person and conduct an image search to verify online identities.
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.
 
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On facebook l had guys mostly American wanting to befriend me so l changed my photo to the dogs now only one yesterday .Only go on it now to contact family.All the lonely should join community events or the local church to meet someone.So sad this has haven't to her.
I have never put a photo of me on my FB account although a couple of times I have had friend requests from randoms on a site I am a member of because they claimed they liked my comment on something, have just blocked, deleted and reported them to the group administrator. The only people I have on FB are those family members and friends who live hundreds of miles away from me.
 
I have never put a photo of me on my FB account although a couple of times I have had friend requests from randoms on a site I am a member of because they claimed they liked my comment on something, have just blocked, deleted and reported them to the group administrator. The only people I have on FB are those family members and friends who live hundreds of miles away from me.
Thankyou for not picking me up on my mistake which of course should have been 'happened' not 'haven't' perhaps l should give up.
l only use facebook to contact family too.Putting my picture on was a mistake
 
As soon as these people ask for money then you know it is a scam. I received a friend request from a so call army Sergent in Siria, this is what the individual was claiming. After day two of messages the individual asked, "could I send a $100.00 cash card" so he could contact his son in the UK. The individual claimed that they could not get a $100.00 a cash card where they were located and needed to contact his son urgently. I told the scammer exactly what I thought of them. I defriended them and cut the contact immediately.
 
Complete & utter dill bills. Once the good old cash is mentioned, tell them that 'You Just Broke Up Our Romance & Go & Find Another Sucker".

I have no pity for the absolute nut cases who fall for this total crap of "On Line Dating".
It does make you wonder where these people brains are. why do some people not see these scammers for what they are. I think some people are so in need of companionship that are willing to throw caution out of the window and these scammers are all too willing to take advantage of lonely individuals.
 
As soon as these people ask for money then you know it is a scam. I received a friend request from a so call army Sergent in Siria, this is what the individual was claiming. After day two of messages the individual asked, "could I send a $100.00 cash card" so he could contact his son in the UK. The individual claimed that they could not get a $100.00 a cash card where they were located and needed to contact his son urgently. I told the scammer exactly what I thought of them. I defriended them and cut the contact

As soon as these people ask for money then you know it is a scam. I received a friend request from a so call army Sergent in Siria, this is what the individual was claiming. After day two of messages the individual asked, "could I send a $100.00 cash card" so he could contact his son in the UK. The individual claimed that they could not get a $100.00 a cash card where they were located and needed to contact his son urgently. I told the scammer exactly what I thought of them. I defriended them and cut the contact immediately.
It's best not to ever allow someone you don't know to be your 'friend' on Facebook. It's interesting and sometimes funny to check out their profiles though. Most of those I get have photos of nice looking older men. But they have no recent posts, just photos, and if they do, all are done on the same day. I recently had one with a photo of Barry Dubois and in the photos, another of him talking to Miguel Maestro! With a different name of course but the scammers just lift the photos and create a fake Facebook page. Obviously they did not know those two are tv personalities in Australia. They just throw out the line and hope to catch a few fish. It's a disgusting scam. Don't take the bait!
 
A person very close to me has been scammed out of a lot of money, believing she is helping a musician who is well known this scammer has convinced her he we marry her and no matter what we tell her she still believed this man loves her and will marry her. He is 30 years younger and it’s not the musician who is scamming her but someone claiming to be him Her husband died a few years ago and they had no children and she gets lonely an easy target
 
A person very close to me has been scammed out of a lot of money, believing she is helping a musician who is well known this scammer has convinced her he we marry her and no matter what we tell her she still believed this man loves her and will marry her. He is 30 years younger and it’s not the musician who is scamming her but someone claiming to be him Her husband died a few years ago and they had no children and she gets lonely an easy target
Loneliness is toxic, but while it exists, scammers will have an endless supply of victims. Perhaps a better idea is for your friend to get involved with volunteering, social groups of all interests exist today.At least you get to meet the people you talk too. The good old fashioned way of making friends.
 
Ask them to send you the same amount of money first, as a token of trust. :cool:

If they bring up an excuse like "but I don't have the money, that's why I ask", then tell them that it is your firm requirement, not negotiable.

Have a little fun at their expense.
just say to them ...you send me $100 and I will send back $200, ...if they do keep it !,....what sort of creep would have the audacity to ask someone he/she has never met to send them money how rude...
 

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