Valentine’s Day Warning: Romance Scams Rise as AI Complicates Detection
Western Australian authorities are urging vigilance this Valentine’s Day as romance scams continue to evolve, with new tactics leveraging artificial intelligence to deceive unsuspecting individuals. Recent data reveals that while reported cases dipped slightly in 2025, the financial impact remains substantial, with scammers stealing $3.8 million from 63 West Australians.
The Evolving Tactics of Romance Scammers
Romance scammers typically operate by building emotional connections with victims over extended periods, often months or even years, before requesting money or pressuring them into risky financial transfers. These scams often begin on dating websites and apps, where perpetrators create fake profiles with stolen images and fabricated life stories. A common initial tactic is “love bombing” – an overwhelming display of affection designed to quickly establish a false sense of intimacy.
Commerce Minister Dr Tony Buti emphasized the patience of these criminals, noting that a relationship seemingly blossoming around Valentine’s Day may not reveal its true, fraudulent nature for months. “Romance scammers are patient operators, who can spend months building trust before asking for money,” he stated.
Red Flags to Watch For
Authorities have identified several key warning signs that a new online relationship may be a scam. These include:
- Excuses for Not Meeting: Scammers frequently fabricate reasons why they cannot meet in person, often claiming to work in remote locations like oil rigs or in the military.
- Secrecy: Requests to preserve the relationship secret from friends and family are a major red flag.
- Encrypted Communication: Urging a move to encrypted messaging platforms to avoid scrutiny.
- Early Financial Requests: Any request for money, especially in the early stages of the relationship, should be treated with extreme caution.
- Isolation Tactics: Attempts to isolate the victim from their support network.
The Threat of Deepfakes and AI
A growing concern is the use of artificial intelligence, particularly deepfake technology, to enhance the credibility of scams. Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake revealed a recent case where a woman almost fell victim to a deepfake during a video call, initially believing she was speaking with the person from her dating app, only to discover a stranger hiding under a blanket. This highlights the increasing sophistication of scammers and the difficulty in verifying identities online.
Who is Most at Risk?
The National Anti-Scam Centre reports that certain demographics are disproportionately affected by romance scams. These include individuals over 35, people with disabilities, and those experiencing significant life changes such as divorce or widowhood. While men are more likely to report these scams, women tend to suffer greater financial losses – an average of $36,091 per scam compared to $17,089 for men nationally between January 2024 and May 2025.
Individuals aged 65 and over experienced the highest total losses, totaling $11.7 million nationally.
Underreporting and the “Shame Factor”
Authorities acknowledge that reported figures likely underestimate the true scale of the problem, as many victims are reluctant to come forward due to embarrassment or shame. This underreporting makes it difficult to accurately assess the impact of these scams and implement effective prevention strategies.
Protecting Yourself: Pro Tips
FAQ: Romance Scams
Q: What should I do if I suspect I’m being scammed?
A: Immediately cease all contact with the individual, report the scam to WA ScamNet, and contact your bank or financial institution.
Q: Is it possible to recover money lost to a romance scam?
A: Recovery is often difficult, but it’s worth reporting the scam to authorities and your bank. There is no guarantee of recovering funds.
Q: How can I protect my family and friends from romance scams?
A: Share this information with them and encourage them to be cautious when forming online relationships.
Q: What is “love bombing”?
A: Love bombing is a manipulative tactic where a scammer overwhelms a victim with affection and attention early in the relationship to quickly gain their trust.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a romance scam, resources are available. Report scams to WA ScamNet and seek support from victim assistance services.
