Take Your Time
Consider the possibility that the approach may be a scam, particularly if the warning signs above appear. Try to remove the emotion from your decision-making no matter how caring or persistent the ‘prospective partner’ is. Be alert to things like spelling and grammar mistakes, inconsistencies in their stories and others signs that it’s a scam like their camera never working if you want to Skype each other.
Check Their Details
Sign up here, give us their details and we will contact them and check their details for you. We can validate the person is who they say they are and the bank details are correct. Generally, scammers use fictitious names and once your money is in their account, it's gone!
Be Cautious
Be cautious when sharing personal pictures or videos with prospective partners, especially if you’ve never met them. Scammers are known to blackmail their targets using compromising material. If you agree to meet a prospective partner in person, tell family and friends where you are going. Scamwatch strongly recommends not travelling overseas to meet someone you have never met. Consider carefully the advice on www.smarttraveller.gov.au before making any plans.
Don't Feel Pressured To Do Anything
Never send money or give credit card details, online account details, or copies of important personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust - hang up or delete the email or message. Avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for up-front payment via money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer, pre-loaded card or electronic currency, like Bitcoin. It is rare to recover money sent this way. Do not agree to transfer money for someone else: money laundering is a criminal offence. Don't feel pressured to do anything.
