For romance scammers, timing is everything. The clock starts ticking the moment they send a message to a potential victim, and experts say the crucial window to hook someone can be as short as 48 hours.
In the lead-up to Valentine’s Day, the Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3) is warning Australians about romance scams, which were the third-most reported scam type in 2025, with 3,432 cases recorded by Scamwatch. These scams, which combine emotional manipulation with financial deception, unfold quickly and convincingly, often preying on vulnerable individuals navigating major life changes.
A typical scenario begins with a direct message from a stranger online. The conversation feels immediate and familiar, sometimes with shared interests or even pets that have the same name. The scammer urges the potential victim to move the chat to private apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, citing convenience. For some, the request raises suspicion, but for others, it feels like the natural next step in a budding romance. Once contact moves off-platform, the scammer begins a tailored grooming process designed to extract money. In 2025 alone, romance scammers reportedly stole $28 million in Australia, with 71 per cent of incidents initiated online.
Certain demographics are particularly at risk. People over 55, widows, recently separated individuals, and retirees are commonly targeted, especially those rebuilding confidence after life changes such as retirement, relocation, or health challenges. Detective Superintendent Marie Andersson of the AFP said early warning signs are often subtle. “A request to move a conversation off a dating or social media platform shortly after initial contact can be a first red flag,” she said. “Dating platforms have safety measures, which scammers want to bypass. Once they move the conversation elsewhere, victims are isolated and more vulnerable to emotional and financial manipulation.”
Other signs include excessive attention or “love-bombing,” oversharing personal stories, excuses for not meeting in person or via video, and encouragement to keep interactions secret from friends and family. Det Supt Andersson described the critical 48-hour period as a reflection of the scammers’ high-volume, big-business approach. Many operate from overseas call centres or “boiler rooms,” following scripts and working around the clock to hook victims quickly before drawing out the relationship to maximise financial gain.
The consequences can be devastating. One divorced woman in her 50s met a man on a chat group who claimed to be wealthy and interested in marriage. Over the course of a month, he sent fake identification photos and videos, convincing her to invest in a supposed AI application. She transferred more than $600,000 to an overseas bank, including a significant portion borrowed from her mortgage, before realising the truth and reporting the matter to ReportCyber and her bank. Recovery of the funds is unlikely. In another case, a man in his 60s believed he had been in an online relationship for two years. During that time, he sent money through banks, remittance services, PayPal, and cryptocurrency, and even took out a mortgage for a house he never purchased. Each attempt to recover his money was met with threats or further deception, leaving him with losses of up to $800,000. Police referred the matter to authorities in the Philippines after identifying a suspected money mule account.
To help Australians protect themselves, JPC3 has launched ClickFit: Romance Scams, a national awareness campaign providing practical advice for online dating. Keeping conversations on verified platforms, checking social media profiles, seeking video calls or in-person meetings, and seeking trusted advice from friends or family can all reduce risk. From 9–13 February, police nationwide will host a National Week of Prevention, offering presentations to educate people on the warning signs of romance scams and how to navigate online dating safely.
For more information or to arrange a police presentation in your area, visit www.afp.gov.au/clickfit.
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