Romance scams are on the rise - how to avoid them
Looking for love this Valentine's Day? Scammers are too - and thanks to AI, they're creating fake profiles so convincing Aussies are losing millions.
Scammers aren't just playing with emotions anymore, warn banks and regulators.
They are using cutting-edge AI tools that make fraudulent profiles, videos and conversations almost impossible to distinguish from the real thing.
What are romance scams and why are they increasing?
Romance scams have long been one of the most financially devastating types of fraud. Back in 2016, more than 4100 Australians reported dating and romance scams, with losses exceeding $25 million - the highest across all scam categories at the time.
But today, the threat has evolved. Advances in AI have supercharged scammers' abilities to deceive, manipulate and exploit people looking for a genuine connection online.
How AI is supercharging modern romance scams
According to the Australian Banking Association (ABA), criminals now use AI to create hyper-realistic identities that are almost impossible to detect. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham warns the technology has transformed romance scams dramatically.
"Artificial intelligence has made it easier than ever for criminals to pose as your perfect match," he says.
Scammers now commonly use:
- Deepfake photos and flawless profiles
AI-generated images make profile pictures look professional, attractive and authentic. - AI-driven conversations tailored to you
Scammers scrape details from your dating profile or social media to craft emotionally intense, personalised chats that feel authentic but are generated by chatbots. - Cloned voices and deepfake video calls
Highly realistic video or voice calls can make victims feel they've met the person they're talking to - even when no such person exists.
These tools help scammers build trust quickly, making it easier for them to eventually ask for money, cryptocurrency, or access to financial accounts.
What red flags should you look for in AI romance scams?
Whether you're on dating apps or chatting via social media, stay alert for these red flags:
🚩Perfect-looking, hyper-professional photos
🚩Vague, repetitive or overly polished answers - a sign you may be chatting with AI
🚩Fast emotional escalation, including sudden declarations of love
🚩Attempts to move you quickly off the app to private messaging platforms
🚩Reluctance to meet in person, even with good excuses
🚩Suspiciously good English or oddly inconsistent details
Remember: scammers play to your emotions. If someone feels "too perfect", that may be a deliberate tactic.
Why scammers push for fast emotional bonds
Scammers often express intense feelings early - sometimes within days - because emotional investment makes victims more vulnerable. Once trust is built, they begin their end game: asking for money.
Requests often involve:
- Emergencies
- Medical crises
- Stranded travel situations
- "Once-in-a-lifetime" investment opportunities
If someone you've never met asks for money - it's a scam.
What is the biggest warning sign of a romance scam?
Any request for money, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or your financial details is the clearest red flag.
Scammers may spend weeks, months or even years grooming a victim before making the ask. The delay is part of the manipulation.
How banks and regulators are responding
Banks are now using AI of their own to detect unusual transactions, block scam payments and shut down fraudulent accounts before money disappears.
But they say vigilance from customers is still the strongest line of defence.
The ABA is also calling on the Federal Government to hold dating apps accountable under the scam-prevention framework, requiring them to strengthen user protections and meet tougher safety standards, just as banks, telcos, and digital platforms already must.
Top tips to protect yourself from AI romance scams
Use these steps to stay safe while dating online:
- Be sceptical of flawless photos and profiles.
- Watch for vague or recycled answers - a sign of chatbot responses.
- Don't move off a dating app too quickly.
- Never send money or cryptocurrency to someone you haven't met in person.
- Pause before responding to urgent requests, especially involving medical emergencies or investments.
- Trust your instincts - if something feels off, step back.
What to do if you think you've been scammed
Act quickly.
- Contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
- Report the scam to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au.
- Stop all communication with the suspected scammer.
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