// Scams & awareness
The romance scam
What it looks like
You meet someone online. It might be on a dating app, Facebook, or a message that seems to have come to the wrong person. They’re warm, interested in your life, and easy to talk to. They message every morning and every night.
They usually have a reason for being far away. They work on an oil rig, serve overseas, are a doctor with a charity, or travel for business.
Romance scams are now the second-biggest cause of scam losses in Australia, after investment scams. People over 55+ lose the most, $15M and counting in 2026 so far according to Scamwatch.
How it plays out
There are two main ways.
The slow one. Over months, sometimes years, they become a big part of your life. You talk about the future. Then a crisis hits: a medical bill, a frozen bank account, a customs fee, a flight home that needs paying for. They’ll pay you back as soon as it’s sorted. Then there’s another crisis.
The fast one. You’ve only been chatting a few weeks when they mention how well they’re doing with an investment. They offer to show you how. The investment is fake, and so are they.
Either way, one payment rarely ends it.
Why it works
It isn’t about being gullible. These are professional criminals, often working in teams, using scripts that have worked on thousands of people. They give you real attention and real kindness, and they’re patient. By the time money comes up, they feel like someone you know.
The giveaway
They say “I love you” or talk about a future together very quickly.
They ask to move off the dating app to WhatsApp, Telegram or text.
They won’t video call or meet in person. There’s always an excuse.
They ask for money, gift cards, crypto, or your personal details.
They tell you to keep the relationship to yourself, or say others won’t understand.
What to do
Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person, however good the reason.
Ask for a video call. If they keep finding reasons not to, that tells you something.
Talk to a friend or family member about them. Scammers rely on secrecy, and a second opinion takes the pressure off.
Search their photos. A reverse image search can show if the pictures belong to someone else. (Next week’s tech tip will show you how.)
Already sent money?
Call your bank straight away using the number on the back of your card, then report it at scamwatch.gov.au. It’s never your fault, and you’re far from alone.
Watch out for anyone who then offers to get your money back for a fee. That’s often the same people trying again.
// Quick tech tip
Make sure your phone can hear the new emergency warning
Since 1 October, Australia has a new emergency warning system called AusAlert. During a bushfire, flood or other emergency, it sends a warning straight to phones in the area, with a loud siren for about 10 seconds, even if your phone is on silent. There’s nothing to sign up for.
But not every phone can receive it. You need an iPhone 11 or newer on the latest software, or an Android phone running Android 12 or later. iPads won’t get them. With bushfire season here, now is a good time to check.
On an iPhone:
Open Settings, tap General, then About. Check your model is iPhone 11 or newer.
Go back to General and tap Software Update. Install anything waiting.
Open Settings, tap Notifications, and scroll to the very bottom. Under AusAlert, check Priority AusAlert is turned on.
On an Android phone:
Open Settings and tap About phone (on Samsung, then Software information). Check the Android version is 12 or higher.
Go back to Settings and tap Software update. Install anything waiting.
Type Wireless Emergency Alerts into the search bar at the top of Settings, and check your alerts are turned on.
Critical Alerts, for the most serious emergencies, can’t be switched off. Priority Alerts can, but it’s safest to leave them on.
AusAlert is an extra layer, not your only one. Keep using your usual sources too, like local radio or your state’s emergency app.
// This week’s habit to keep
If someone you’ve never met asks for money, tell someone you trust before you do anything.
That’s it for this week.
Let me know if there's something you want to know more about. Reply to this email, I read every one, and it might help someone else too.
Until next time,
John
P.S. If you found this useful, forward it someone you care about!
New here? Subscribe to get it straight to your inbox every week.
