Dating and romance scams

Scammers can use the appeal of dating and romance to take advantage of people looking for a romantic partner. They will pretend to have a romantic interest to trick their victim into giving them money.

Key crime prevention tips

To protect yourself when talking to people online:

protect your information
be aware of your photos
be cautious
be patient
use general online safety principles
protect yourself in-person.

About dating and romance scams

Scammers often create fake online profiles, either by using a false name, or another person’s identity.

Dating and romance scams often happen online via:

dating websites
dating apps
social media
email.

Examples of dating and romance scams

Scammers can reach out to you online and pretend to be a potential companion to gain your trust.

They then try to get you to send them:

money
gifts
bank or credit card details
personal details
inappropriate material.

There are some signs to look out for that a person may not be looking for a genuine connection. They may:

ask to move the chat from a dating app or social media to text soon after they first contact you
try to isolate you from your friends and family
ask you to do something inappropriate
ask for your financial information
ask for inappropriate photos or videos of you
promise to meet you, but continually come up with excuses not to.

Advice to protect yourself from dating and romance scams

To help keep yourself safe while online dating, consider the following tips:

You can protect yourself by carefully choosing the information you share.
- limit the personal information you provide. Be cautious sharing your full name, address, and areas you visit.
- do not share your workplace or upload photos in your work uniform.
- do not link your social media accounts to your profile.
Always choose your photos carefully.
- be aware of what is in the background of your photos or videos. Your photos may provide clues to places you visit.
- use different photos on your dating profile to photos on your social media. This will help prevent someone finding your social media accounts.
- be cautious sharing intimate pictures or videos.
Take steps to check that the person you are talking to is who they say they are.
- listen to warnings from your friends and family.
- be wary if online pictures do not match the person’s description. Conduct a Google reverse image search on the person’s profile picture.
- be aware of fake profiles. Look out for spelling errors, inconsistency in their stories, or claims their camera does not work.
- be wary if a person quickly asks you to communicate by text or texting app, or email.
- only add them as a friend on social media when you trust them.
Take your time to make sure you get to know someone new properly.
- take time getting to know someone online before you agree to meet them.
- talk to the person on the phone or video chat before meeting them.
Ensure your devices and apps have strong privacy precautions.
- use a strong password and use antivirus software.
- do not agree to transfer money for or to someone else.
- do not provide your banking details to anyone.
- do not click on links or download anything sent from people you don’t know.
Before you meet with someone in person:
- set expectations and boundaries before meeting
- meet in a public place, for example a park, café, restaurant or shopping centre
- tell a friend when and where the date is
- provide a friend with your date’s name and photo
- have your own transport to and from the date
- trust your gut and leave if something feels wrong.

If you think you’ve been scammed by a romance scam

If you suspect that someone is not who they say they are online, there are things you can do to minimise the damage.

you can report them to the platform that you met them on
if you have shared your financial or banking details, call your bank immediately and let them know.

Report dating and romance scams

If you have been involved in a dating and romance scam, you can report it to the police:

at ReportCyber
Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000)(opens in a new window).

To help disrupt and follow scam trends, warn others about new scams, and receive advice and support, report your experience to Scamwatch.

To find out more about reporting cybercrime visit Report online abuse, cybercrimes, fraud and scams.

Support for victims of dating and romance scams

If you have been affected by an online dating and romance scam, help is available from counselling and support services.

Scamwatch
The National Anti-Scam Centre has set up Scamwatch to support awareness and reporting of scams. Visit for more information, advice and to report different scams.
IDCARE
Help with advice on scams that involve stealing your identity. This free Australian and New Zealand service can help you limit the damage and recover from the scam. Counselling and support services are also available. Call 1800 595 160.
Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS)
You may be eligible for financial help through the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS). Help can be for counselling, medical expenses, and loss of earnings.
eSafety Commissioner
You should report any cyber abuse (regardless of your age), or image-based abuse to the eSafety Commissioner. They also investigate cyber bullying and help you deal with online abuse.

Updated 20 November 2024