Online dating can be a wonderful way to build meaningful connections and at RSVP, helping Australians find love safely has always been at the heart of what we do. But as dating moves increasingly online, so too do the tactics used by scammers who prey on trust, vulnerability, and hope.
This guide has been created to help you recognise the warning signs, stay protected, and support others who may be affected. It combines expert information with the everyday protections RSVP uses to keep our community safer.
What Are Romance Scams?
A romance scam occurs when someone pretends to be romantically interested in order to manipulate, deceive, or financially exploit another person. These bad actors often use fake photos, manufactured backstories, and emotional pressure to build trust quickly, then ask for money, gifts, or personal information.
Romance scams are not a reflection of someone’s intelligence.
They are professional operations and scammers are highly trained in manipulation.
Current Romance Scams on Dating Sites & Apps
These are the most common scam types affecting Australians right now:
1. Catfishing / Fake Identity
Catfishing is one of the oldest and still one of the most common romance scams.
Scammers create entirely fake identities using stolen photos, fabricated biographies, and details that seem believable but are inconsistent when questioned.
Typical behaviours include:
- Avoiding all video calls or making excuses about bad internet, broken cameras, or being “shy.”
- Refusing to meet in person, even after long periods of chatting.
- Photos that look overly professional or appear on multiple profiles online.
- Stories that fall apart when you ask specific questions.
Their goal is to build trust and emotional closeness — often before asking for money or personal information.
2. Military or Aid Worker Scam
This scam involves someone pretending to be a soldier, humanitarian worker, engineer, pilot, or medical staff stationed overseas. These roles are deliberately chosen because they can explain limited communication and the inability to meet.
Signs of this scam:
- They claim to be deployed in dangerous or remote locations.
- They say they can’t access their bank accounts while overseas.
- Sudden emergencies arise (medical costs, stolen equipment, travel issues).
- They ask for money “just until they return home.”
This type preys on empathy and trust, using emotional storytelling to justify financial requests.
3. Emergency or Sob Story Scam
These scammers fabricate dramatic life events designed to trigger sympathy. They may claim a sudden illness, accident, hospitalisation, or stolen belongings.
What to watch for:
- Messages that become emotional and urgent very quickly.
- Stories that escalate in severity to pressure you.
- A request for immediate financial help “just this once.”
The situations are always crafted to sound believable — and time-sensitive — to push you into acting quickly.
4. Crypto & Investment Manipulation
This is a newer and rapidly increasing scam type. Instead of asking directly for money, the scammer pretends to help you “invest” or “grow your savings.”
How this scam works:
- They send links to fake investment platforms or crypto websites.
- They show “fake profits” to convince you to invest more.
- The site may look polished, but they control everything behind it.
- Once you deposit funds, you may not be able to withdraw them again.
This scam relies on a false sense of partnership and “future building.”
5. Gift Card Requests
Gift cards are popular among scammers because they are hard to trace and easy to convert into money or goods.
Typical patterns:
- They request gift cards from well-known retailers or tech brands.
- They claim it’s because they “can’t access their bank” or “need something urgently.”
- They ask you to share the card numbers or photos of the back of the card.
Legitimate partners will never ask you for gift cards.
6. Sextortion
Sextortion involves someone pressuring or threatening you after gaining access to private or intimate content. It often starts with flirtation or a push to exchange private photos or videos.
How it typically unfolds:
- They may encourage you to move to another app.
- They build trust quickly and escalate conversations.
- Once they have private images, they demand money or favours.
- They may threaten to share the images unless you pay.
It’s important to stop communication immediately and report the situation to authorities.
7. Visa / Travel / Immigration Scam
In this scam, the scammer claims they want to meet in person but needs money to make it happen.
Common claims include:
- They need help paying for a visa or travel documents.
- Their passport was stolen.
- They need airfare, border fees, or “release fees.”
- They just need “one last payment” to finally visit you.
The travel never happens and the requests often keep increasing.
8. Fake Dating Sites / Apps
Here, scammers try to lead you off a legitimate platform (like RSVP) to a website or app that they control.
How this scam works:
- They ask you to continue chatting on a “better” dating app or site.
- The link directs you to a fake page designed to steal your login details or financial information.
- The site may ask for unusual verification steps or payment.
Staying on trusted platforms significantly reduces this risk.
9. Money Muling
This one is particularly dangerous because victims may become involved in illegal activity without realising it.
Scammers may:
- Ask you to receive funds into your account and transfer them onward.
- Claim they need help moving money because of “bank issues” or “business delays.”
- Say they want to send you money to “support you.”
In reality, the funds may be stolen, and transferring them can unintentionally involve you in financial crime.
Red Flags to Look Out For
If you notice any of these behaviours, proceed with extreme caution:
- They avoid video calls or meeting in person.
- Their story seems “too perfect” or rehearsed.
- They fall in love very quickly.
- They frequently reference fate, destiny, or soulmates early on.
- Their photos look like model images or overly professional.
- They ask you to move the conversation off the dating platform immediately.
- They claim an emergency and request money or financial help.
- Their spelling or grammar doesn’t match their supposed background.
- They refuse to verify their identity.
- They pressure you into making fast decisions.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
What You Should NEVER Do
To protect yourself online:
- Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
- Never buy gift cards for someone you met online.
- Never send intimate photos to someone you haven’t met.
- Never share personal details such as your address, birth certificate, bank details, or passport.
- Never click links sent by someone you don’t know well.
- Never continue conversations on unknown websites or apps.
- Never feel guilty for saying no.
You owe no one online anything — especially not financial or private information.
Common Phrases Romance Scammers Use
Scammers often repeat similar lines:
- “My camera is broken, so I can’t video call.”
- “I feel like we’re soulmates already.”
- “I’ve never felt this connection before.”
- “I’m dealing with an emergency and just need a little help.”
- “Can you keep our relationship private for now?”
- “I’ll pay you back the moment I get home.”
- “Please trust me, you’re the only person I have.”
These statements are designed to build artificial intimacy or create urgency.
Questions to Ask That Can Expose a Scammer
These questions are safe, simple, and often reveal inconsistencies:
- “Can we jump on a quick video call right now?”
- “Can you send me a voice note?”
- “Can you take a photo holding up three fingers?”
- “What’s one landmark near you right now?”
- “Can you tell me more about your family / job / hometown?” (scammers struggle with details)
- “Can you help me verify your identity on the app?”
If the replies become emotional, evasive, or defensive, it’s a strong warning sign. Report the incident to authorities so others can be protected from the same harm.
Report Early If You’re Worried
Your safety comes first. If something feels wrong:
- Stop communication immediately.
- Report the profile directly within the RSVP platform. We will investigate and ban the user’s profile.
- Do not send money, personal information (especially not financial information), or images.
Important Disclaimer
In cases of harassment, stalking, assault, fraud, or any other unlawful activity, we strongly encourage you to report the matter to your local police authorities.
If necessary, RSVP will fully cooperate with any police investigation to the extent required or permitted by law.
Australian Resources for Reporting & Support
Here are credible Australian organisations and support services to help you:
Report a Scam
- Scamwatch (ACCC) — https://www.scamwatch.gov.au
- Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) — https://www.cyber.gov.au/report
- Your State/Territory Police — search: “Report cybercrime” + your state
Get Personal Support / Recovery Assistance
- IDCARE (identity & cyber support) — https://www.idcare.org
- eSafety Commissioner (online harms) — https://www.esafety.gov.au
- Lifeline (emotional support) — https://www.lifeline.org.au
- 1800RESPECT — https://www.1800respect.org.au
- Cyberability – https://cyberability.org.au/
Often your bank has its own Scam Detection Team that can assist.
These services offer confidential, compassionate guidance.
How to Support a Loved One Affected by a Scam
Romance scam victims often feel ashamed or confused.
Here’s how to help:
- Listen without judgment.
- Encourage them to stop all contact.
- Assist in reporting the incident together.
- Help them review their financial accounts and privacy settings.
- Offer emotional support. Losses in romance scams feel like grief.
- Direct them to professional organisations listed above.
Your support can make an enormous difference.
How RSVP Protects You Every Day
At RSVP, we take your safety seriously. Every day, our team responds to member reports, reviews suspicious activity, and investigates profiles that may not be genuine. When fake accounts appear and unfortunately, they’re more common across all dating platforms today, we work quickly to remove them and protect our community. Your vigilance, combined with our daily monitoring, helps keep RSVP a safer place to connect.
RSVP invests in multiple layers of safety to protect our members:
• Profile Screening & Identity Checks
We implement systems designed to detect suspicious behaviour and verify legitimacy.
• Dedicated Moderation Team
Our team actively monitors reports and takes swift action on potentially harmful accounts.
• Behavioural Monitoring
We use technology to identify unusual patterns that may indicate fraudulent activity.
• Member Education
We provide ongoing guidance, safety tips, and content (like this guide) to empower members with knowledge.
• Commitment to Cooperation
Where appropriate and permitted by law, we cooperate with police investigations into scams or unlawful conduct.
Your safety is, and always will be, one of our highest priorities.
Final Thoughts
Love is meaningful and it should also be safe.
By staying informed, trusting your instincts, and reporting early, you protect not only yourself but the entire RSVP community.
And remember: You are never alone in this.
