They say time is money. For romance scammers, the clock starts ticking the second they hit send on a message to a potential victim. And the window to hook them can be as little as 48 hours.
In the lead-up to Valentine's Day, the Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3) is spotlighting romance scams, which were the third-most reported scam type in Australia in 2025, sitting at 3432.*
It's a horrific crime type, which has shaped a profitable business model from cruelty, victim baiting and heartache. And it unfolds in rapid-fire scenarios that can seem all too believable.
To give an example...
You receive a direct message from a stranger online. You seem to have an instant connection and share similar interests. Your pets even have the same name.
The stranger is overly affectionate and is eager to move your conversation to another private or encrypted chat application. If asked why, they're ready with a reason: "I don't check messages here often, let's use WhatsApp/Telegram," or "Can we text? It's easier for me".
For some people, this request for a new environment can feel urgent and premature, raising red flags and bringing contact to a halt. But for others, it can feel like the hopeful next step in a whirlwind romance. So, they accept the request.
From there the tailored grooming begins - all in the pursuit of financial deception.
In 2025, $28 million was reportedly stolen by romance scammers in Australia, with 71 per cent of them reported following online contact (2437 reports)*.
Demographics at a higher risk of being targeted include individuals older than 55, widows or recently separated individuals, and retirees. Scammers also target people who may be feeling vulnerable while rebuilding confidence after life changes such as retirement, relocation or health troubles.
While scammers worked from myriad playbooks depending on the situation, AFP Detective Superintendent Marie Andersson said there were initial tell-tale signs a new romantic interest could be a scammer.
"A request or pressure to move a conversation off a dating or social media platform not long after initial contact can be a first red flag," Det Supt Andersson said.
"Reason being is dating and social media platforms often have safety features and detection measures, which scammers want to get away from as soon as possible.
"Once a scammer has moved the conversation to a different platform, the victim is also isolated, meaning it can be easier to prey on their vulnerability, optimism and emotional investment to stop them walking away.
"Other warning signs include lots of attention or affection (love-bombing), oversharing of personal or emotional stories, having reasons why they can't meet in person or video chat, and encouraging victims to keep their interactions private from family and friends, often under the guise that these other parties wouldn't understand."
Det Supt Andersson said the timeframe of 48 hours as being critical to whether scammers hooked their victim was an anecdotal learning. It illustrated the big-business model of the scam industry, with scammers communicating with multiple victims at once to amplify their criminality.
"Scammers, who mostly work in call centres or boiler rooms overseas, have scripts and playbooks to follow, receive coaching, and operate 24/7 to deploy the best tactics to deceive innocent victims," Det Supt Andersson said.
"Their modus operandi is to hook victims quickly, but they are then in it for the long haul, looking to draw the connection out for as long as possible to scam as much money as they can.
"This then creates a 'double hit' for their victims who, when the truth eventually emerges, are left to grieve not only the emotional impact of a relationship they believed was real, but also the financial damage, shame, isolation and loss of trust."
To help educate people about romance scams, the JPC3 has launched ClickFit: Romance Scams, a national awareness campaign supported by law enforcement across Australia, that offers simple but effective methods to protect yourself when online dating. They include:
Keep chats on the dating platform until you're sure the person is legitimate;
Verify the person by checking their social media presence or reverse-image searching photos;
Ask to video call or meet in person, but be mindful of AI-generated video calls that may look and sound glitchy or appear blurry;
Never send money or share accounts to anyone you have met online;
Be aware of love-bombing, emotional manipulation and pressure tactics; and
Talk to friends, family, or anyone you trust to get a second opinion if you are unsure.
From 9-13 February, police across Australia will host a National Week of Prevention, delivering presentations to help Australians understand the warning signs of romance scams and navigate online dating with caution and confidence.
