ONLINE DATING SCAMS: AUSTRALIANS LOSE $23M TO FRAUDSTERS!

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) says internet dating scams accounted for 74percent of reports made to the organisation since August 2014, labelling romance cons the “CHIEF CULPRIT” of online frauds. Unlucky-in-love Aussies have lost more than $23m to fraudsters through online dating in the year 2014, the consumer watchdog says. Other common online scams identified by the ACCC related to jobs and investments (10%), unexpected prizes (10%) and unexpected money (6%).

Most victims of online dating scams started an online relationship which led them to send money overseas, ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard said. Scammers targeted both men and woman, with fraudsters getting more techs savvy in targeting prospective victims. “Just over one third of these people were contacted by the scammers through social media channels,” she said in a statement. Scammers, many based in West Africa, often used stories about inheritances, gemstone dealings, gold bullion “or other unexplained wealth”. “These excuses and stories are designed to extract the maximum funds and commit the victim both financially and emotionally,” Rickard said.

Since August 2014, the ACCC said it has confirmed over 50 victims who have each lost about $34,000 each. The watchdog has also sent 1,500 letters to possible scam victims as part of its national scam disruption project. The crackdown comes after the ACCC in September conducted a snap review of 100 dating websites to check if they carried appropriate warnings about scams. Cyber safety consultant, Leonie Smith, said scammers were more likely to be active on platforms like Facebook and Twitter than on dedicated dating sites. “Use some of the more established dating sites if you want to look for love online,” Smith, of Cyber Safety Lady, said. It was also a good idea to confirm that an online profile did not use a photo copied from elsewhere on the internet. “You can actually download that picture and use Google image search to see if it pops up anyway else, that is a good step,” Smith said. Most importantly, Smith said, never hand over money or bank details to an online date. “That is when the alarm bells should ring,” she said. “You certainly should not be sending any money to someone you have not met face to face.

Culled from Guardian