In the lead-up to Valentine's Day, the National Anti-Scam Centre has released its final quarter scams statistics, showing an increase in romance scams reports and losses across 2025. The data highlights the need for 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 financial crimes in Australia, with more than $28.6 million in financial losses reported to Scamwatch between January and December 2025. This represents a 21.8 per cent increase in losses experienced by 1,330 Australians. Scammers overwhelmingly contacted people through online methods, such as social media; dating platforms and online forums with online contact responsible for more than 80 per cent of financial losses.
ACCC Acting Chair Catriona Lowe said criminals use carefully rehearsed tactics designed to build trust quickly and shift conversations toward requests for money, gifts or personal information.
"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," Ms 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."
People are encouraged to access resources on Scamwatch to provide support to loved ones who may be targeted by scammers, including red flag signs, conversation starters and the manipulation tactics deployed by scammers.
The scammer's playbook
The National Anti-Scam Centre is urging Australians to be alert to the common elements of what scammers do, and to stop and talk to a trusted friend or family member before sending money or sharing details with someone they have not met in person.
Romance scammers often follow a similar pattern:
- Creating a fast emotional bond
Scammers may present as attentive, understanding and affectionate early on. They often mirror interests and values to create a sense of connection and trust.
- Moving conversations off platforms
Requests to switch from dating apps or social media to private messaging services are common. This helps scammers avoid detection and monitoring.
- Avoiding in-person contact
Scammers typically have reasons why they cannot meet, such as working overseas, military service or sudden travel restrictions.
- Introducing a financial request
Requests may start small and escalate over time. These can include money for emergencies, investments, travel, gifts, cryptocurrency or gift cards.
- Applying pressure or secrecy
Scammers may create urgency, discourage talking to friends or family, or suggest the relationship is private or special.
"These criminals will not only steal money they cause significant emotional trauma often leading to mental health crisis and family breakdown. Always check in early with family and friends about online relationships as scammers will isolate you to make you believe what they say," Ms Lowe said.
"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."
Other scam trends
Data for the final quarter of 2025 has now been published to the Scamwatch statistics page which provides a full picture of reports to Scamwatch for 2025.
- There was a 5 per cent increase in financial loss across 2025, resulting in an annual total of $334.9 million lost to scams.
- 200,675 people reported scams (a 19.6 per cent decrease) 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 ($172.2m), phishing scams ($31.1m) and romance scams ($28.7m) resulted in 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 than any other scam type with $158.5 million reported lost.
Learn how to Stop. Check. Protect. to stay safe from scams:
STOP. Always take a moment before giving your money or personal information to anyone. Scammers will create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Don't rush to make decisions about money or sharing personal details.
What to do:
- Say no, hang up, or delete suspicious messages
- Take time to think before responding to unexpected requests
- Don't let anyone pressure you into immediate action
- Trust your instincts if something feels wrong
CHECK. Make sure the person or organisation you're dealing with is real. Scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust. Always verify who you're really dealing with before taking any action.
What to do:
- Contact the person or organisation directly using phone numbers or email addresses you find on their official website or app
- Research investment opportunities or offers through official sources like ASIC
- Get a second opinion from family, friends, or professionals
PROTECT. Act quickly it something feels wrong. The sooner you act, the better you can protect yourself and others from scammers.
What to do:
- Contact your bank immediately if you think you've lost money or shared financial details
- Contact IDCARE (www.idcare.org or call 1800 595 160) if you want support to recover - they can help you create a plan to the limit damage of scams
- Report to Scamwatch (www.scamwatch.gov.au) to help protect others
- Report to police (www.cyber.gov.au)
- Change passwords and security details if you think they've been compromised
- Monitor your bank statements and credit reports for unusual activity
- Report the scam to the impersonated organisation and platform where the scam is happening
- Being scammed can feel overwhelming. Support is available at Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
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