Romance scams in Australia: 9 warning signs and what to do

Romance scams cost Australians a great deal every year, and anyone can be targeted. Scammers are patient: they build trust over weeks, then invent a reason they need money.

How a romance scam usually works

It often starts with a very attractive profile and fast, intense attention. The scammer quickly suggests moving to WhatsApp or another app, away from the platform's safety tools. Then come the stories: a medical emergency, a stuck shipment, a "can't-lose" crypto investment.

9 warning signs

• They profess strong feelings very quickly.
• They always have a reason they can't video call.
• They want to leave getme for another app straight away.
• Their photos look like a model shoot, or a reverse image search finds them elsewhere.
• They live overseas, work on a rig, in the military or as a doctor abroad.
• They ask for money, gift cards, crypto or help "moving funds".
• They pitch an investment platform or trading app.
• Their story has inconsistencies about their age, location or job.
• They ask you to keep the relationship secret.

What to do

Stop replying and don't send money. Report the profile on getme (⋯ > Report) and block them. Report it to Scamwatch. If you've already paid, contact your bank immediately, and if your identity details were shared, contact IDCARE.

Read our Safety centre for more tips, and see our guide to online dating safety.