Romance scams online are costing Australians millions, the latest Scamwatch figures reveal. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Last year, more than $28.6 million was lost by Australians seeking love online, up more than 20 per cent from the year before.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s National Anti-Scam Centre (Scamwatch) has released its latest statistics, showing an increase in reported romance scams and accumulated losses in 2025.
The centre has released the data ahead of this year’s Valentine’s Day (14 February) as a cautionary tale, urging Australians to talk to family and friends about the tactics scammers use to build trust and steal money.
Romance scams remain one of the most financially and psychologically damaging crimes in Australia.
The latest figures show 1330 Australians reported a 21.8 per cent increase in losses from romance scams.
The ACCC has stressed that scammers primarily contact people through online channels, such as social media, dating platforms, and online forums.
Online contact is responsible for more than 80 per cent of financial losses.
“Romance scammers operate all year round, but the lead up to Valentine’s Day is a good time to have a heart-to-heart with loved ones and build awareness of how these scams work so we can help people better protect themselves and others,” ACCC acting chair Catriona Lowe said.
“Criminals exploit technology, trust, and emotion for financial gain. Reporting suspicious activity to Scamwatch and sharing what you know can stop them from causing further harm and protect others.”
Ms Lowe said criminals use carefully rehearsed tactics to quickly build trust and shift conversations toward requests for money, gifts, or personal information.
Romance scammers often follow a similar pattern, creating a rapid emotional bond and presenting themselves as attentive, understanding, and affectionate early on.
They often mirror interests and values to create a sense of connection and trust.
They quickly suggest moving conversations off platforms, with requests to switch from dating apps or social media to private messaging services being common, which helps scammers avoid detection and monitoring.
Scammers typically have reasons why they cannot meet, such as working overseas, military service or sudden travel restrictions.
Then comes a financial request, often starting small and escalating over time.
These requests may include funds for emergencies, investments, travel, gifts, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
Scammers may also create urgency, discourage talking to friends or family, or suggest the relationship is private or special.
“These criminals will not only steal money, but they also cause significant emotional trauma, often leading to mental health crises and family breakdown,” Ms Lowe said.
“Always check in early with family and friends about online relationships as scammers will isolate you to make you believe what they say.
“Do not send money, cryptocurrency or gift cards to someone you have not met in person.
“And never take investment advice from an online contact. Talk to someone you trust, report suspicious behaviour, and contact your bank immediately if money has been sent.”
Scamwatch has published data for the final quarter of 2025 to provide a full picture of reports of all types of scams for the year.
All up, there was a 5 per cent increase in financial loss across 2025, resulting in an annual total of $334.9 million lost to scams.
A total of 200,675 people reported scams, and 28,202 reported losing money to scams.
There was a 20 per cent decrease in median loss, down from $500 in 2024 to $400 in 2025.
Investment scams ($172.2 m), phishing scams ($31.1 m), and romance scams ($28.6 m) accounted for the highest overall losses.
More people lost money to shopping scams (12,248) than any other scam type.
Online scams, through social media, websites, and apps, caused double the financial harm of any other scam type, with $158.5 million in losses reported.
Scams and attempted scams can and should be reported to Scamwatch and the police.
Being scammed can feel overwhelming. Support is available at Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
