Romance Scam Surge: $28.6M Lost in Australia – 2025 Stats & Warnings

Australians are facing a surge in romance scams, with losses exceeding $28.6 million in 2025, according to data released by the National Anti-Scam Centre. The figures, published on February 5, 2026, highlight a concerning 21.8% increase in financial harm experienced by 1,330 Australians compared to the previous year. The warning comes ahead of Valentine’s Day, a period when scammers often intensify their efforts.

The financial damage inflicted by romance scams surpasses that of many other types of fraud in Australia. Investment scams resulted in $172.2 million in losses, while phishing scams accounted for $31.1 million. However, the psychological toll of romance scams is particularly devastating, often leading to significant emotional trauma, mental health crises, and family breakdown, according to ACCC Acting Chair Catriona Lowe.

More than 80% of these scams originate online, with scammers leveraging social media platforms, dating apps, and online forums to initiate contact. Once a connection is established, they frequently attempt to move the conversation to private messaging services, a tactic designed to evade detection, and monitoring. A key element of their strategy involves creating a rapid emotional bond with victims, mirroring their interests and values to build trust quickly.

The scammer’s playbook typically follows a predictable pattern. Initial interactions are characterized by attentiveness, understanding, and affection. Scammers then strategically avoid in-person meetings, often citing reasons such as overseas work commitments, military service, or travel restrictions. Eventually, they introduce a financial request, which may start small but escalates over time. These requests can range from funds for emergencies to investments, travel expenses, gifts, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.

A crucial tactic employed by scammers is applying pressure and demanding secrecy. They may create a sense of urgency, discourage victims from discussing the relationship with friends or family, or suggest that the connection is uniquely special and private. This isolation is intended to reinforce the victim’s belief in the scammer’s narrative.

“These criminals will not only steal money they cause significant emotional trauma often leading to mental health crisis and family breakdown,” Lowe stated. “Always check in early with family and friends about online relationships as scammers will isolate you to make you believe what they say.”

Authorities are urging Australians to be vigilant and to stop and consult with a trusted friend or family member before sending money or sharing personal details with someone they have not met in person. The National Anti-Scam Centre emphasizes the importance of verifying the identity of online contacts and being wary of requests for financial assistance.

The overall impact of scams in Australia increased in 2025, with a 5% rise in total financial losses, reaching $334.9 million. While the number of reported scams decreased by 19.6% to 200,675, the number of people reporting financial loss remained substantial at 28,202. Notably, the median loss per scam decreased by 20%, falling from $500 in 2024 to $400 in 2025.

Beyond romance scams, investment scams ($172.2 million) and phishing scams ($31.1 million) were also significant contributors to overall scam losses in 2025. Shopping scams affected the largest number of individuals, with 12,248 people reporting losses. Online scams, encompassing those conducted through social media, websites, and apps, caused double the financial harm of any other scam type, accounting for $158.5 million in reported losses.

The National Anti-Scam Centre recommends following the “Stop. Check. Protect.” framework to safeguard against scams. This involves pausing before acting on any unexpected requests, verifying the legitimacy of individuals or organizations, and taking swift action if something feels wrong. Resources are available to support those who have been targeted, including IDCARE (www.idcare.org or call 1800 595 160) and Scamwatch (www.scamwatch.gov.au). Support is also available through Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636).

Individuals who believe they have been victimized by a scam are urged to contact their bank immediately, report the incident to Scamwatch and the police (www.cyber.gov.au), and change their passwords and security details.