Romance phishing scams are on the rise: Protect your heart and wallet
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Technology has undoubtedly changed the way we live our lives, including how we find love. Online dating has become a popular way for many people to connect with potential partners. However, with the rise of online romance comes an unfortunate uptick in romance phishing scams.
At the Seniors Discount Club, we value our members' safety and want to keep you informed of these threats so you can protect yourself and understand the warning signs.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a warning about an increase in romance scams targeting Australians, particularly those seeking companionship through online platforms. One particular case involves a Korean woman claiming to be travelling around Australia in search of a relationship.
The ACCC advises that anyone receiving WhatsApp messages from such an individual should be cautious, as the conversation ultimately leads to a cryptocurrency investment scam. If you receive these types of messages, the best course of action is to ignore them, block the number, and delete the message. You never know who's behind that screen, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!
These romance scammers are sneaky; they often pose as someone genuinely looking for a relationship and initiate conversations with unsuspecting victims, showering them with flattery and love confessions. Once the victim is drawn in, the scammer will spin a compelling story about why they can't meet in person, typically leading to a request for money.
The Bank of Queensland has also reported a rise in these types of scams, with initial contact from scammers occurring on various platforms, including dating sites, social media sites, and even gaming portals. Ben Griffin, a spokesperson from the bank, highlights some red flags to watch out for, such as rapid declarations of love and affection, unavailability for in-person meetings, and emotional manipulation.
For those who fall victim to these scams, the consequences can be devastating. Not only do the victims lose significant sums of money, but they also suffer the heartbreak of a false connection that may have spanned months or even years.
In 2021 alone, over 3,400 dating and romance scams were reported to the ACCC. Australian Federal Police cybercrime operations commander Chris Goldsmid reveals that criminals often invest significant time–sometimes years–building what appears to be a 'legitimate relationship' with their victim. These scams target people from all walks of life and often involve elaborate stories to tug at the heartstrings.
2. Avoid sharing personal or financial information, such as bank details, with people you've only met online.
3. If someone you've met online asks for money, no matter how compelling their story may be, treat it as a warning sign and seek advice before taking any action.
4. Research the person's photo and profile using online search tools to check the legitimacy of their identity.
5. Trust your instincts – if something feels off, it probably is.
The first step is to report the scam to your local law enforcement. If you do not feel comfortable with reporting the incident to your local police station, you can contact the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN) by filling out their online form.
You may also want to contact your bank or financial institution and request a chargeback for any money that you have sent to the criminals. In Australia, consumers are protected against scams if they have made a purchase with a major bank, credit card, or debit card.
It can collect any evidence you may have regarding the scam. For example, this can include online conversations and any payments or requests for money. You should also inform any of your family and friends who may have been in contact with the scammer.
It is important to note that it may not be possible to recover money lost in a romance scam, but by reporting what has happened, you can help to protect others from becoming victims.
Remember, love is a wonderful thing to find, but it's better to be cautious and protective than to put your heart and wallet at risk. Members, have you personally encountered this situation? Feel free to share your experience and provide some helpful tips. Stay safe!
At the Seniors Discount Club, we value our members' safety and want to keep you informed of these threats so you can protect yourself and understand the warning signs.
Caution! Romance phishing scams are increasing rapidly. Source: SDC
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a warning about an increase in romance scams targeting Australians, particularly those seeking companionship through online platforms. One particular case involves a Korean woman claiming to be travelling around Australia in search of a relationship.
The ACCC advises that anyone receiving WhatsApp messages from such an individual should be cautious, as the conversation ultimately leads to a cryptocurrency investment scam. If you receive these types of messages, the best course of action is to ignore them, block the number, and delete the message. You never know who's behind that screen, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!
These romance scammers are sneaky; they often pose as someone genuinely looking for a relationship and initiate conversations with unsuspecting victims, showering them with flattery and love confessions. Once the victim is drawn in, the scammer will spin a compelling story about why they can't meet in person, typically leading to a request for money.
The Bank of Queensland has also reported a rise in these types of scams, with initial contact from scammers occurring on various platforms, including dating sites, social media sites, and even gaming portals. Ben Griffin, a spokesperson from the bank, highlights some red flags to watch out for, such as rapid declarations of love and affection, unavailability for in-person meetings, and emotional manipulation.
For those who fall victim to these scams, the consequences can be devastating. Not only do the victims lose significant sums of money, but they also suffer the heartbreak of a false connection that may have spanned months or even years.
In 2021 alone, over 3,400 dating and romance scams were reported to the ACCC. Australian Federal Police cybercrime operations commander Chris Goldsmid reveals that criminals often invest significant time–sometimes years–building what appears to be a 'legitimate relationship' with their victim. These scams target people from all walks of life and often involve elaborate stories to tug at the heartstrings.
To help our SDC members stay safe in their quest for love, we recommend the following precautions:
1. Be cautious with new contacts, especially if they quickly express strong feelings for you.2. Avoid sharing personal or financial information, such as bank details, with people you've only met online.
3. If someone you've met online asks for money, no matter how compelling their story may be, treat it as a warning sign and seek advice before taking any action.
4. Research the person's photo and profile using online search tools to check the legitimacy of their identity.
5. Trust your instincts – if something feels off, it probably is.
How to Report a Romance Scam
If you have been the victim of a romance scam, it is important to report it. Reporting can help the authorities to track down the criminals and bring them to justice. It also helps to protect other potential victims from being scammed.The first step is to report the scam to your local law enforcement. If you do not feel comfortable with reporting the incident to your local police station, you can contact the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN) by filling out their online form.
You may also want to contact your bank or financial institution and request a chargeback for any money that you have sent to the criminals. In Australia, consumers are protected against scams if they have made a purchase with a major bank, credit card, or debit card.
It can collect any evidence you may have regarding the scam. For example, this can include online conversations and any payments or requests for money. You should also inform any of your family and friends who may have been in contact with the scammer.
It is important to note that it may not be possible to recover money lost in a romance scam, but by reporting what has happened, you can help to protect others from becoming victims.
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I'll tell you what, if you want to throw money away, Hummingbird House in Brisbane could do with some donations and I believe it also a tax deduction.
