Online Dating Scams Warning
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Michael O'Brien is reminding Victorians to be vigilant about romance scams when using online dating sites.
"It is important to remember that scammers often target online dating or romance websites for their fraudulent activity," Mr O'Brien said.
Many romance scams operate online, with perpetrators posing behind fake online profiles on dating sites to build an emotional relationship with their victim. Their ultimate aim, however, is to scam people out of their hard-earned money.
Romance and online dating scams can take place over many months or even years, with scammers working to build a level of trust in their victims, encouraging them to let down their guard.
Scammers often will request money to cover travel costs for a face-to-face meeting, or to assist with medical bills and other family matters.
Consumer Affairs Victoria received more than 5,000 scams report in 2011, including more than 1,400 reports of romance and other advance-fee and online scams.
Tips to avoid online dating scams:
- Be extremely careful about providing personal information on social networking sites and online chat rooms, and never send your credit card or banking details via email
- Always consider the possibility that an advancement made from someone online may be a scam, and seek advice from friends, family or Consumer Affairs Victoria
- Only send money or gifts to people you know in person and trust
- Do not be deceived by documents and photographs that appear to be genuine, scammers often provide fake evidence to build trust in their victims
- Ensure your computer has up-to-date comprehensive anti-virus software, and avoid opening attachments from 'secret admirers' or anyone you do not know
- Test your knowledge of scammers' tactics by completing the online scams quiz
- If you believe you may have fallen victim to an online dating scam, immediately contact your financial institution and Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81.
For further information on scams, visit the Consumer Affairs Victoria website.