Australian Government Releases Real Scam Scripts to Combat Romance Scams

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has released actual romance scam scripts this Valentine’s Day in an unprecedented move to protect citizens. These scripts, used by a Philippine-based syndicate, targeted over 5,000 Australians. The scam operation included elaborate emotional manipulation tactics and led to cryptocurrency investment scams. In 2024 alone, Australians lost $23.6 million to dating and romance scams. The AFP and ACCC have provided essential safety guidelines, including never sending money to online matches, verifying identities, watching for red flags, and protecting personal information. While online dating can be safe, awareness and caution are crucial for protecting yourself from scammers.

source