Scam alert: Relationship scams

15 Apr 2026

Scamwatch is running a campaign to help people spot the signs of a relationship scam. Relationship scams (also called romance or dating scams) happen when someone pretends to be interested in you so they can take your money. They build trust, then ask for money, gifts, or your personal details. They may also try to get into your bank or online accounts. Some scammers also push fake investments, including cryptocurrency. They may ask you to move the chat to a private messaging app so it’s harder to trace.

They might say they live or work overseas. They may avoid meeting in person or on video. They may also invent an emergency (like a hospital bill, travel issue, or legal trouble) to pressure you to send money quickly.

If you think you or someone you know may be in a relationship scam, remember: scammers can be very convincing. They use feelings to control people and may try to cut them off from friends and family. It is never the victim’s fault. Help is available.

Who’s at risk

Anyone can be targeted. Scammers often go after people who want connection or support online. You may be at higher risk if you:
• use dating apps or social media to meet new people
• are newly single, have recently lost someone close, or are going through a big life change
• feel lonely and want ongoing contact
• have money set aside to invest (including in cryptocurrency).

What it can look like

These scams feel real. Here are some common examples:
Romance baiting scams: These can be short. They may start on a dating app and then shift into a fake cryptocurrency or investment scam.
Long-term romance scams: The scammer builds a close bond over months or years. Then they make up a crisis (like a medical emergency, work problem, or travel issue) to get money from you.

Warning signs to look out for

They say they love you or want a serious relationship very quickly.
They ask you to move the chat to another app.
They won’t video call, won’t meet in person, or always cancel.
They ask for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or bank transfers. They may also ask for personal details (like ID, passport, or address) or access to your accounts or device.
They tell you not to talk to anyone else and say you should only trust them.
They ask for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or bank transfers. They may also ask for personal details (like ID, passport, or address) or access to your accounts or device.
They tell you not to talk to anyone else and say you should only trust them.

If you think it’s a scam

If something feels wrong, pause. Think about what you know about the person and what they are asking for.
• Never send money or personal information, even if the person promises to repay you.
• Talk to someone you trust. Tell a friend or family member what’s happening. Scammers rely on secrecy.
• Check who they are by doing a reverse image search on their photos. Look for details that don’t match, or a story that keeps changing. Be careful if the profile looks too perfect.
• Keep proof. Save messages, screenshots, usernames, phone numbers, bank details, and receipts.
• Report the profile to the app or platform, then block the person.
• If you’ve sent money, contact your bank straight away.

Stay protected

STOP. If someone you met online asks for money, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or help with an “urgent” problem, stop. Don’t send money. Don’t share passwords, one-time codes, or ID documents.
CHECK. Take your time when you meet new people online. Ask questions. Watch for things that don’t add up. Be careful if they won’t meet or video call, or if they quickly move the chat off the app. Before you invest, check the business is licensed (search ASIC’s professional registers). Also check ASIC’s investor alert list on Moneysmart.
PROTECT. If you’ve shared details or sent money, contact your bank straight away. Change your passwords, turn on multi-factor authentication, and report the scam to Scamwatch. If you feel unsafe, contact local police. Find out more about what to do if you’ve been scammed.

To report scams and find more info go to Scamwatch.gov.au

This information has been provided by Australian Government: ScamWatch email sent 15 April 2026.