How to identify and avoid romance scams.

Understanding how these scams work can help you recognise the warning signs and protect yourself and your loved ones.

How relationship scams work

A relationship scam happens when someone pretends to be interested in a friendship or romantic relationship to gain your trust, build an emotional connection and eventually ask for money, personal information or other assistance.

Scammers can be patient. Some spend weeks or even months building a relationship before asking for anything.

They may:

• Create fake profiles using stolen photos and identities

• Show strong romantic interest very quickly

• Contact you frequently to build trust and emotional dependence

• Ask for intimate photos or videos

• Share stories of hardship designed to gain your sympathy

• Ask for money, gifts or financial assistance

• Request help with an emergency, travel plans or unexpected expenses

• Encourage you to invest in an opportunity they've supposedly made money from

• Ask you to transfer money or receive funds on their behalf.

Anyone can be targeted by a relationship scam, regardless of age, background or relationship status.

Common tactics scammers use

Relationship scammers are skilled at making their stories sound believable. They often create situations designed to trigger an emotional response and make you want to help.

Some common examples include:

• An emergency or crisis

The scammer may claim they need money for medical treatment, travel costs, legal fees, a family emergency or a business problem.

• Promises to meet in person

They may talk about visiting you or starting a future together, but something always seems to go wrong that requires financial assistance.

• Investment opportunities

Some scammers build trust first and then introduce cryptocurrency, trading or investment opportunities. They may claim they've made money themselves and encourage you to do the same.

The impact of relationship scams

The consequences of a relationship scam can extend far beyond financial loss.

Victims may experience:

• Loss of savings or personal assets

• Emotional distress and loss of confidence

• Identity theft

• Blackmail involving intimate images

• Ongoing harassment or manipulation.

In some cases, scammers may also pressure people into transferring or receiving money on behalf of others and exposing them to significant financial, legal and personal risks.

Warning signs to look out for

While every situation is different, some common red flags include:

• They express strong feelings or talk about a future together very early in the relationship

• They quickly encourage you to move conversations to a more private communication channel

• They avoid meeting in person or repeatedly cancel plans

• Their stories change or details don't quite add up

• They ask for money, gifts or financial assistance

• They introduce investment opportunities or ways to make money

• They ask for personal, financial or identity information

• They encourage you to keep the relationship secret from family or friends

• They create a sense of urgency when asking for help.

Be cautious if someone you've only met online asks you to send money, share banking details or make financial decisions under pressure.

How to protect yourself

If you're building a relationship online, a few simple precautions can go a long way:

• Scammers often try to fast-track emotional connections. Be cautious if someone becomes intensely interested in you very quickly.

• Avoid sharing sensitive personal, financial or identity information with someone you haven't met and verified.

• Never feel pressured to send money, gift cards or cryptocurrency to someone you've only met online, no matter how convincing their story may seem.

• Consider using a reverse image search on profile photos and look out for inconsistencies in their story.

• Relationship scammers often rely on secrecy. Discussing the relationship with a trusted friend or family member can help you identify warning signs you may have overlooked.

• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, take a step back and do some independent research before responding.

If you think you've been scammed

If you suspect you're dealing with a scammer:

• Stop sending money or sharing personal information.

• Cease contact with the individual.

• Keep records of messages, emails and payment details.

• Report the profile through the platform where you made contact.

• Contact your bank immediately if you've sent money or shared banking information.

Remember, relationship scammers are professional manipulators and can be highly convincing. Falling victim to a scam can happen to anyone, and seeking help early can make a difference.