Online romance scams are a rapidly growing threat for Australians aged 60-plus, with scammers exploiting the search for companionship or love to commit financial and emotional harm. Losses among seniors from these scams have surged, even as overall scam losses for other age groups fall.
The Scope of the Problem
Recent reports show that Australians over 65 lost approximately $120 million to scams in 2024, with romance and dating scams among the leading sources of these losses. Scamwatch data highlights that people aged 65 and over both reported the highest number of romance scams and suffered the highest median losses, sometimes experiencing average individual scam losses over $24,000. These scams leave victims not only financially devastated but also facing deep emotional trauma – the sense of betrayal often causing ongoing distress.
How Romance Scams Work
Scammers approach seniors on social media, dating apps, or even gaming platforms, creating fake profiles that seem trustworthy, sometimes impersonating celebrities or professionals.
Common tactics include:
Developing a quick, intense rapport, “love bombing” the victim with attention and messages to build trust.
Trying to shift communication away from dating websites to private messaging platforms such as WhatsApp or WeChat.
Making up reasons why they cannot meet in person – often claiming to be overseas, working on remote projects, or dealing with technical problems.
Sharing fabricated emergencies requiring urgent financial assistance, often escalating over time from small requests to larger transfers, sometimes involving cryptocurrency or fake investment schemes.
Asking for personal details, photos, or documents — later used for blackmail or identity theft.
A recent trend is scammers convincing seniors to “invest” in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes, promising quick returns that never materialize.
Red Flags To Watch For
Signs that the online relationship may be a scam include:
Moving the relationship quickly, with sudden professions of deep love or need.
Reluctance or inability to meet in person or use live video.
Requests for secrecy from friends or family, attempts to isolate the victim.
Stories that are inconsistent, or profiles with few genuine friends or sparse information.
Requests for financial help or for the victim to transfer money on their behalf, which could involve the victim in money laundering – a criminal offense.
How Over-60s Can Protect Themselves
Never send money, bank or identity details, or intimate images to anyone only met online, no matter how persuasive their story.
Take things slow and avoid moving conversations to private platforms immediately or sharing personal details.
Warn friends or family about the relationship and seek outside perspectives – secrecy is often a scam red flag.
Search the person’s name plus the word “scam” online; perform reverse image searches to check for stolen or suspicious photos.Learn about common investment scams and protect accounts with strong, unique passwords.
Report suspected scams to platforms and national agencies like Scamwatch, and contact your bank immediately if any money is lost.
Where To Get Help
Seniors affected by romance scams can:
Contact IDCARE (1800 595 160) for free identity and cyber support.
Request their bank or card provider to intervene and stop transactions quickly.
Change passwords for all key accounts.
Report the scam to government agencies to help disrupt further criminal activity and support others to avoid similar harm.
Online romance scams continue to evolve, but with widespread awareness and prompt action, Australians over 60 can better protect themselves from devastating losses.
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