Australians lost a record $56million to online dating scammers last year – here’s how to avoid getting ripped off this Valentine’s Day
- Eleni Petinos MP has reminded Australians to be wary of dating app scams
- She said there were a number of ways to spot a fake profile and protest yourself
- The ACCC revealed in 2021 Aussies lost a record $56million to dating fraudsters
Australians are losing more money than ever to online dating scams but there are a few signs to look out for to make sure you’re swiping right on a genuine person.
‘Valentine’s Day is a busy time for singles to use dating apps, meaning scammers are also hard at work targeting lonely hearts through social networks, dating sites and instant-messaging apps,’ NSW Fair Trading Minister Eleni Petinos said.
Australians lost a record $56 million to dating fraudsters in 2021, up 44 per cent from the $38.9 million figure in 2020, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
Ms Petinos urged Australians to take steps to protect themselves from online scammers and determine if a profile is legitimate.
Online dating scams accounted for a record $56million of Australians’ money lost to fraudsters in 2021 (stock image)
These include doing an online image search for the profile photo to see if the image turns up under different accounts or even on stock image sites, she said.
Checking the profile or messages for obvious spelling and grammar mistakes is another along with poor English, despite saying they are well educated or live in a western country.
There will also often be inconsistencies in information or vague stories about why they need money.
Discussions tend to escalate quickly into relationship territory without meeting or even Skyping – with the scammer constantly giving excuses about they they can’t.
Online daters are being warned to look out for signs to spot fake profiles ahead of Valentine’s Day (stock image)
‘Scammers will go to great lengths to build your interest and trust, often over many months,’ the ACCC said.
‘Once they have gained your trust and your defences are down, they will ask you either subtly or directly for money, gifts or your banking details.
‘Never send money or personal information to someone you haven’t met in person.’
Ms Petinos said app companies are getting better at removing fake profiles and reminded users to keep their communications within the app where there are more protections and to report any profile they believe is fraudulent.
‘Dating apps can then remove the profile of anyone reported to be a potential scammer,’ she said.
‘This will benefit others on the app who are also in contact with that person.’
‘And never transfer money to, or share bank account details with, someone you haven’t met in person. When it comes to love, it is important to listen to your head as well as your heart.’
The ACCC reminded Australians that you should never send money to someone you have not met (stock image)