Love bites, love bleeds $11m from West Aussies

West Australians are continuing to give their heart and money to scammers, losing almost $30,000 a day in 2014 to romance fraud.

  • Romance fraud tops the list of scams reported to WA ScamNet

  • Overseas criminals target dating websites and social media

West Australians are continuing to give their heart and money to scammers, losing almost $30,000 a day in 2014 to romance fraud.

Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said in the past 12 months, 164 victims of romance fraud reported losing almost $11 million, an average loss of $66,000 per victim.

Mr Mischin said May 2014 was the biggest month for online dating scammers, netting more than $3.6 million from 21 victims.

"These heartless scammers think nothing of ripping off those who are lonely, vulnerable, isolated, elderly or simply looking for love or friendship," he said.

"They invest a lot of time befriending and grooming their victims in order to gain their trust, duping them into believing the relationship is genuine and the real deal.

"In reality, they are organised criminals operating from several different countries with money - not love - on their mind.

"I urge anyone using online dating or social media to never give any money to someone who you are corresponding with under any circumstances - love shouldn't cost a thing."

The Minister praised the work of Consumer Protection and WA Police in their joint anti-fraud initiative Project Sunbird, which identifies victims of romance or investment fraud.

Mr Mischin said 965 calls were made to WA ScamNet in 2014, with 68 per cent reporting financial losses due to relationship scams.

In total, 657 West Australians reported losing $16.8 million to fraudsters in 2014, with other big scams involving investments, buying and selling online, business and technology.

       Fact File

  • The success of Project Sunbird has led to similar programs in other States and Territories

  • For scam prevention tips, visit http://www.scamnet.wa.gov.au/projectsunbird  

  • If you are sending money to someone you met online and want to talk to a Project Sunbird officer, phone 1300 30 40 54 and ask for Project Sunbird

Minister's office  - 6552 5600