Australians Warned of Sophisticated Valentine's Day Romance Scams

Experts caution against online fraud targeting emotions and finances during the season of love.

Romance scams exploit emotional vulnerability, with scammers posing as potential romantic partners to gain trust and financial advantage.
Common tactics include professing love quickly, avoiding in-person meetings, and requesting financial assistance under false pretenses.
Sophisticated scams now involve AI-generated profiles, fake investment schemes, and sextortion, impacting both singles and couples.
In 2024, Australians reported losing over $23 million to romance scams, with experts suggesting the real figure may be much higher.
Authorities advise vigilance, including verifying identities, avoiding financial transfers, and reporting suspicious activity to Scamwatch or cybercrime portals.