This Valentine’s Day, Aussies are warned to not fall for one thing that will appear too good to be true, with relationship scams on the rise.
In 2022, greater than $38m was misplaced to relationship and romance scams throughout the nation, with as a lot as $12m misplaced in NSW alone.
NSW Fair Trading commissioner Natasha Mann mentioned individuals who let their guard down when relationship may find yourself with greater than a damaged coronary heart.
“Con artists are becoming more cunning and evolving using online games and websites to contact victims and build an emotional connection,” Ms Mann mentioned.
“People looking for love through online dating agencies should also be sure to read the site’s fine print.
“Make sure you read and understand the terms and conditions of contracts before you sign so you know what you are paying for and don’t let the promise of love play on your emotions.”
The majority of scams befell on social media networks and cellular apps, accounting for greater than 1700 stories from throughout Australia final 12 months.
Scammers might typically profess their affection rapidly to affect their victims earlier than then asking for cash for a mess of elaborate causes resembling sickness, business troubles or household emergencies.
Across Australia, final 12 months there have been 792 stories of social networking scams, 55 love scams in particular person and 63 over the cellphone.
In South Australia, $2.5m was misplaced to scams.
SA Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Andrea Michaels mentioned shoppers might take steps to guard themselves in opposition to love scammers.
“Looking for love online can be tough, especially when scammers are ready to prey on people when they’re at their most vulnerable,” Ms Michaels mentioned.
“But there are steps people can take to protect themselves from romance scammers, such as running a reverse-image search to confirm someone’s identity and always being wary of requests for money.
“Never share your bank account or credit card details with, or transfer money to, someone you haven’t met in person.
“It also pays to be mindful about how much personal information you share on social networking sites and through online dating sites or apps. Scammers can use your information and pictures to target you with a scam or even create a false identity.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
