Scammer exploits lonely woman $200K after building trust online
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In the digital age, the search for companionship often leads many to the vast world of the internet.
Online platforms have become the new meeting grounds for those seeking love and connection.
However, this virtual space has its perils. As we embrace the convenience of digital relationships, we must also be wary of the darker side of the internet: scams that prey on the vulnerable.
A cautionary tale recently unfolded in Cairns. A woman fell victim to a romance scam and lost a staggering $200,000.
The Cairns Police have sounded the alarm, urging residents to exercise caution when engaging with potential partners online.
Romance scams are not just about the emotional toll; they can also lead to substantial financial loss.
The scam typically starts with an unsolicited message or friend request from a scammer using a fake social media or dating app profile.
Cairns Police have highlighted that these profiles can seem incredibly genuine, making it difficult to spot the deception.
The scammer then lures the victim away from the original platform to a more private messaging app, where they begin to weave a believable narrative.
They might claim to be deployed overseas and unable to access their funds, creating a scenario that tugs at the heartstrings.
In the recent case, a 60-year-old woman from Cairns was methodically befriended by a scammer who, over time, built a relationship of trust before exploiting it for financial gain.
Detective Acting Inspector Cindy Searle emphasised that these scammers are skilled manipulators who use sophisticated tactics to gain trust and encourage victims to part with their money.
The scammers' strategies are varied and can include requests for cash sent in packages, online transfers of funds or cryptocurrency, or even opening accounts that the scammer can access.
Inspector Searle advised individuals to critically assess their knowledge of the person they're communicating with online.
If you have yet to meet them in person, you cannot be certain of their true identity.
For those who suspect they might be caught in the web of a romance scam, resources such as ScamWatch, ID Care, and the Queensland Police Service website offer valuable information and support.
The Australian Federal Police warned last Valentine's Day about a financial scam called ‘pig butchering’.
Scammers prey on lonely singles via messaging apps, building trust over months or even years before luring them into investing in fake businesses. You can read more about it here.
Have you or someone you know ever experienced an online romance scam? What steps did you take to protect yourself afterwards? Let us know in the comments below.
Online platforms have become the new meeting grounds for those seeking love and connection.
However, this virtual space has its perils. As we embrace the convenience of digital relationships, we must also be wary of the darker side of the internet: scams that prey on the vulnerable.
A cautionary tale recently unfolded in Cairns. A woman fell victim to a romance scam and lost a staggering $200,000.
The Cairns Police have sounded the alarm, urging residents to exercise caution when engaging with potential partners online.
Cairns Police warned us to stay vigilant against romance scams that result in significant financial loss. Credit: Shutterstock
Romance scams are not just about the emotional toll; they can also lead to substantial financial loss.
The scam typically starts with an unsolicited message or friend request from a scammer using a fake social media or dating app profile.
Cairns Police have highlighted that these profiles can seem incredibly genuine, making it difficult to spot the deception.
The scammer then lures the victim away from the original platform to a more private messaging app, where they begin to weave a believable narrative.
They might claim to be deployed overseas and unable to access their funds, creating a scenario that tugs at the heartstrings.
In the recent case, a 60-year-old woman from Cairns was methodically befriended by a scammer who, over time, built a relationship of trust before exploiting it for financial gain.
Detective Acting Inspector Cindy Searle emphasised that these scammers are skilled manipulators who use sophisticated tactics to gain trust and encourage victims to part with their money.
The scammers' strategies are varied and can include requests for cash sent in packages, online transfers of funds or cryptocurrency, or even opening accounts that the scammer can access.
Inspector Searle advised individuals to critically assess their knowledge of the person they're communicating with online.
If you have yet to meet them in person, you cannot be certain of their true identity.
For those who suspect they might be caught in the web of a romance scam, resources such as ScamWatch, ID Care, and the Queensland Police Service website offer valuable information and support.
The Australian Federal Police warned last Valentine's Day about a financial scam called ‘pig butchering’.
Scammers prey on lonely singles via messaging apps, building trust over months or even years before luring them into investing in fake businesses. You can read more about it here.
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