Australian Regulator Issues Romance Scams Warning
Australian regulator Consumer Affairs Victoria has released a new video and article warning Victoria residents of the dangers of online dating scams.
It notes that dating scams are both financially and emotionally devastating for victims, who often build up deep relationships with scammers.
There are a number of telltale signs that consumers can use to help identify a scammer.
One is that they will often profess love or propose a marriage after only a short amount of time.
Another is that they will quickly seek to move the conversation to a different messaging service or email.
Scammers may send gifts or letters to their victims, but will always find a way to avoid meeting up in person.
When it comes to asking for money, a common tactic is to ask for a ‘loan’ to start a business or cover a short-term financial cost.
Some scammers have began posing as investigators, offering to track down and identify the original perpetrator for a fee. Victims can be hit twice in such instances.
Read more here.