Don’t lose more than your heart

How did that dozen red roses go down? Did the box of chocolates or candle-lit dinner deliver the desired romantic outcome?

Valentines Day 2026 may have passed but, based on what consumer warriors discovered last year, we can expect a trail of victims in its wake.  

The National Anti-Scam Centre has released its final quarter scams statistics for 2025 – and they’re not pretty. The stats show romance scams were up, with significant emotional and financial losses aross the year. 

More than $28.6 million in financial losses linked to romance scams were reported to Scamwatch. That is a 21.8% increase in losses on the previous 12 months, and these scams affected 1,330 Australians. 

Scammers overwhelmingly (80%) contacted people over the internet, via social media, dating platforms, and online forums. 

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Acting Chair, Catriona Lowe, says criminals use carefully rehearsed tactics designed to build trust quickly and shift conversations toward requests for money, gifts, or personal information. 

“Criminals exploit technology, trust, and emotion for financial gain. Reporting suspicious activity to Scamwatch and sharing what you know can stop them from causing further harm and protect others.” 

The scammer’s playbook

Romance scammers often follow a similar pattern: 

• Creating a fast emotional bond
  Scammers may present as attentive, understanding, and affectionate early on. They often mirror interests and values to create a sense of connection and trust. 

• Moving conversations off platforms
  Requests to switch from dating apps or social media to private messaging services are common. This helps scammers avoid detection and monitoring. 

• Avoiding in-person contact
  Scammers typically have reasons why they cannot meet, such as working overseas, military service, or sudden travel restrictions. 

• Introducing a financial request
  Requests may start small and escalate over time. These can include money for emergencies, investments, travel, gifts, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. 

• Applying pressure or secrecy
  Scammers may create urgency, discourage you from talking to friends or family, or suggest the relationship is private or special. 

“These criminals will not only steal money they cause significant emotional trauma often leading to mental health crisis and family breakdown,” Ms Lowe said.

“Always check in early with family and friends about online relationships, as scammers will isolate you to make you believe what they say.” 

Do not send money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to someone you have not met in person. And never take investment advice from an online contact. Talk to someone you trust, report suspicious behaviour, and contact your bank immediately if money has been sent. 

You can access resources on Scamwatch to provide support to loved ones who may be targeted by scammers. 

What you can do to avoid being scammed

STOP. Always take a moment before giving your money or personal information to anyone. Scammers will create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Don’t rush to make decisions about money or sharing personal details. 

CHECK. Make sure the person or organisation you’re dealing with is real. Scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust. Always verify who you’re really dealing with before taking any action. 

PROTECT. Act quickly it something feels wrong. The sooner you act, the better you can protect yourself and others from scammers. 

What to do: 

• Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve lost money or shared financial details. 

• Contact IDCARE if you want support to recover. They can help you create a plan to the limit damage of scams. 

• Report to Scamwatch to help protect others. 

• Report to police via the Australian Cyber Security Centre. 

• Change passwords and security details if you think they’ve been compromised. 

• Monitor your bank statements and credit reports for unusual activity. 

• Report the scam to the impersonated organisation and platform where the scam is happening.