An uptick in romance scams across 2025 has prompted a fresh warning from the National Anti‑Scam Centre, with the ACCC urging Australians – and those who advise them – to talk openly about how criminals exploit online relationships.
New data released ahead of Valentine’s Day shows more than $28.6 million was lost to romance scams in 2025, a 21.8% jump in losses affecting 1,330 Australians. Scammers overwhelmingly contacted victims online, with social media, dating platforms, and forums responsible for more than 80% of financial losses.
For mortgage brokers, the figures highlight another pressure point on already stretched household finances, particularly for older or recently separated clients whose savings can be wiped out before they seek advice. Sudden unexplained withdrawals, “emergency” transfers, or gifts linked to a new online partner can all be early red flags in client conversations.
ACCC Acting Chair Catriona Lowe (pictured) said criminals use carefully rehearsed tactics to build trust quickly and shift conversations toward requests for money, gifts or personal information.
“Romance scammers operate all year round, but the lead up to Valentine’s Day is a good time to have a heart-to-heart with loved ones and build awareness of how these scams work so we can help people better protect themselves and others,” Lowe said in a media release.
“Criminals exploit technology, trust, and emotion for financial gain. Reporting suspicious activity to Scamwatch and sharing what you know can stop them from causing further harm and protect others.”
The National Anti‑Scam Centre warns that romance scammers often move chats off dating apps, avoid meeting in person, then introduce escalating financial requests while pressuring victims to keep the relationship secret.
“These criminals will not only steal money they cause significant emotional trauma often leading to mental health crisis and family breakdown. Always check in early with family and friends about online relationships as scammers will isolate you to make you believe what they say,” Lowe said.
Across all scam types, Australians reported $334.9 million in losses to Scamwatch in 2025, with investment scams ($172.2m), phishing scams ($31.1m), and romance scams ($28.7m) resulting in the highest overall losses, and online scams causing double the financial harm of any other channel.
The National Anti‑Scam Centre is promoting a simple “Stop. Check. Protect.” framework – pause before sending money or information, verify who you’re dealing with using official contact details, and act quickly by contacting your bank and reporting to Scamwatch and police if something feels wrong.
For brokers, weaving those steps into client education could help prevent both financial damage and loan applications being derailed by hidden scam losses.
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