As Cupid readies his bow for Valentine's Day, Australians could get struck with love anytime this week.

However, not all love stories have happy endings, as the government warned everyone of the possibility of heartbreak and loss.


New South Wales Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib, urged single Aussies searching for a special someone to exercise caution.

'Scammers are not just breaking hearts; they're emptying bank accounts,' Minister Dib warned.

'They employ sophisticated tactics to deceive and exploit, and they're targeting people across NSW without prejudice.'


Minister Dib's warning came with alarming figures from ScamWatch.

According to ScamWatch's 2024 data, lovelorn NSW residents have lost a total of over $8.9 million.

The 798 reports of romance and dating scams spanned all age demographics, even seniors and minors under the age of 18.


The emotional and financial toll is not limited to NSW.

Western Australians also felt the sting of betrayal, as victims lost $5 million to similar scams.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake highlighted the severity of the situation.

'We're seeing average losses of over $87,000, and in one case, nearly $800,000,' Commissioner Blake stated.

'These are not just numbers; they represent people's life savings and can lead to financial ruin.'


The rise of artificial intelligence also became a part of the problem.

Scammers now use deepfake technology to create compelling videos to impersonate real people as potential love interests.

'The line between reality and deception is blurring. Unless you can meet someone in person, you should be extremely wary,' Ms Blake cautioned.

'Video calls and phone conversations are no longer reliable indicators of authenticity.'


To combat the growing threat of love scams, ID Support NSW decided to host a free online event on 14 February.

Jacki Muir, Director of ID Support NSW, invited everyone to attend the event.

'Educate yourself on the red flags and take proactive steps to shield yourself from these persuasive impostors,' Director Muir said.

If you can’t attend ID Support NSW’s free event, hare some essential tips to help you avoid falling victim to scams this Valentine's Day:

• Keep personal information to a minimum on your dating profile. Adjust your privacy settings to limit exposure.
• Avoid sharing full names, addresses, workplace details, location, and information about children.
• Maintain conversations within the dating app, where safety features could offer a level of protection.
• Use verified photos on dating apps and be vigilant for suspicious photos or profiles.
• Enable multi-factor authentication on your accounts to reduce the risk of hacking.
• Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.

Learn more about deepfake videos and online dating scams in this short video:

While the quest for love is a journey many of us embark on, it's crucial to navigate it with both your heart and your head.

This Valentine's Day, let's pledge to protect ourselves and our fellow Australians from the heartache and financial strain of romance scams.
Have you or someone you know fell victim to a love scam recently? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below—your story could help someone else avoid a scammer's snare.