Beware the online romance trap! With Valentine's Day upon us, WA authorities are shedding light on a dark side of love. They've revealed some shocking 'red flags' to watch out for, and it's a must-read for anyone navigating the world of online dating.
Last year, 63 West Australians fell victim to romance scams, losing a staggering $3.8 million collectively. Attorney General Tony Buti emphasizes that while this figure is lower than previous years, it's still a serious issue.
Buti urges caution, advising people to avoid sending money until they've met their online partner in person. After all, there's always a chance the person you're chatting with might not be who they claim to be.
Romance scams often start on dating sites and apps, with scammers creating fake profiles complete with stolen photos, names, and life stories.
"They'll love bomb you," Buti warns, "a constant stream of messages to reel you in and form a friendship. And then they'll ask for money."
Here's where it gets controversial: scammers often have excuses for not meeting in person, claiming they work on oil rigs or are in the military. They might also try to isolate you from your friends and family, urging secrecy about your new 'relationship'.
"They'll try to cut you off from your support network," Buti explains. "They'll move the conversation to encrypted platforms and tell you to keep it a secret. These are major red flags."
And this is the part most people miss: with AI technology advancing, deepfakes could soon make it even harder to spot these scams. WA's Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake shares a chilling story of a woman almost fooled by an AI deepfake, even over a video call.
The National Anti-Scam Centre highlights that online romance scams disproportionately affect certain groups: people over 35, those with disabilities or diverse backgrounds, and individuals who are divorced, widowed, or actively seeking relationships. Men are more likely to report these scams, but women report higher financial losses.
Nationally, between January 2024 and May 2025, women lost a total of $20.1 million compared to $13.3 million for men. On average, women lost $36,091 per scam, while men lost $17,089. People aged 65 and over had the highest total losses, at $11.7 million.
Buti emphasizes that these figures are likely affected by under-reporting due to the 'shame factor' associated with being scammed.
So, how can you protect yourself? Authorities advise using reverse image searches to verify profile photos, taking time to get to know someone, and always trusting your instincts.
What do you think? Have you ever encountered a potential romance scam? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!
