Dating and romance scams

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
• 'love-bomb' you by expressing strong feelings for you very quickly and often
• ask you to send money urgently for a fake illness, injury or travel
• ask for your financial information
• try to talk you into investment or cryptocurrency opportunities
• ask you to accept a money transfer before moving that money to another account (money muling)
• ask for inappropriate photos or videos of you
• ask you to do something inappropriate
• promise to meet you, but continually come up with excuses not to.

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
• trust your gut - if it seems to be too good to be true, it probably is.

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.

Never provide your financial details or give money to someone you’ve never met:

• be suspicious of urgent requests for money or personal information, even if they appear to come from trusted sources
• try to avoid emotion when considering requests for money
• take a step back and evaluate the request logically.