The Queensland Police Service (QPS) and identify theft and cyber support service IDCARE are sending a message to relationship scammers ahead of Valentine's Day.
Relationship scams cost Queenslanders an estimated $26.8 million in 2022, a 120 per cent increase on the previous year with more than 850 scams reported, a 35 per cent increase on the previous year.
Detective Acting Superintendent Mike Newman from the Financial and Cyber Crime Group said data also showed a spike in younger victims as opportunistic scammers targeted dating sites and social media platforms.
"Last year we saw a 95 per cent rise in people aged 18-24 reporting relationship scams," Detective Acting Superintendent Newman said.
"This shows that their strategies are becoming more sophisticated and targeted towards a younger cohort, exploiting people's emotions and their use of technology to take advantage of them.
"While a rise in reporting can be a positive as it indicates that people feel comfortable coming forward to report, we want to send a clear message to scammers that we are aware of their behaviour and provide a reminder to users around what to be aware of."
Detective Acting Superintendent Newman said the QPS police worked with partner agencies and other services in an operational capacity to share information with the aim of identifying these scams and supporting victims.
"We have a great relationships which assist us operationally to share information and consistently look at ways to enhance public safety," he said.
"We're not only sharing information so people understand what to look for, but we're also sending a message to potential scammers that we will not tolerate this behaviour."
Identify theft and cyber support service IDCARE said with more people meeting and connecting online, it was important to raise awareness.
"While we know there can be serious financial impacts to this, money is only one part of it," IDCARE's Managing Director Dr David Lacey said. There also remains the ongoing risk to the individual's identity, particularly where credentials such as passports and driver licences have been shared with the scammer.
"Relationship scammers can leave their victims with a broken heart and a real level of shame and embarrassment around what has happened to them. We also see cases of family breakdowns as a result of the impact of high levels of financial loss in addition to the emotional impacts.
"It's why these types of campaigns are important to raise awareness, encourage reporting and let people know that they are not alone, and that support is available."
The following tips are available to help users spot the warning signs of relationship scammers:
- Reality check - scammers often use images and profile photos that aren't theirs to hide their identity. Do a reverse image search of their profile photo to check if it may have been used elsewhere.
- Be alert to love bombing - if an online relationship is developing quickly, or you feel uncomfortable at any time, trust your gut. Don't feel pressured into making a quick decision and report anything that doesn't feel right.
- It's your money - never send money to someone you've never met, no matter what story they might tell you. If they are offering an investment opportunity, always do your research and get independent advice.
- Don't be a money mule - never agree to allow someone you've never met to transfer funds through your accounts. Relationship scammers will lure individuals into allowing their bank accounts to be used for moving money between accounts or into cryptocurrency. This can put the victim at risk of committing serious criminal offences and supporting transnational criminal organisations in processing proceeds of crime.
- Know how to report - if something does happen to you, know that you're not alone. If you're using an online site or dating platform, be familiar with its security and privacy settings and notify them immediately if you spot something suspicious. You can report suspicious activity to police via ReportCyber (www.cyber.gov.au/report) and receive expert, specialised support by reaching out to IDCARE on https://www.idcare.org/contact/get-help
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