How sugar daddy scammers are targeting lonely women in the lead up to Valentine’s Day – these are the red flags to look out for
- Australians lost $37 million in 2021 to romance based scams according to ACCC
- Warnings have emerged for people entering ‘sugar daddy’ relationships online
- Dating app scammers looking to target lonely people in lead to Valentine’s Day
- Several expensive local florists are under investigation for misleading customers
Sugar daddy scammers are on the rise and tricking more lonely victims than ever in the lead up to Valentine’s Day.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission found that Australians lost $37million to romance scams in 2021 as people are warned to be extra careful in the lead up to the most romantic day of the year – February 14.
KnowBE4 APAC security awareness advocate Jacqueline Jayne warned on Saturday people entering a sugar daddy relationship – especially through a dating app – should remain vigilant about partners asking for money.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission found that Australians lost $37 million to romance scams in 2021 as experts warn dating app users to stay on high alert in the lead up to Valentine’s Day
Sugar daddies will usually offer money or luxury items in return for a sexual or romantic relationship online or in person.
‘The scammers spend time gaining trust before asking for payment, and the payment is to activate an account where their sugar money is being held,’ she told Herald Sun.
‘Unfortunately, dating apps do not only attract lonely hearts, they also attract scammers.’
Sugar daddy scammers are on the rise as Valentine’s Day nears and dating app users have been warned against sending money to people they meet online
Security expert Luis Corrons said dating app users should make their privacy a priority and report suspicious behaviour.
‘Online dating platforms make it easy and convenient to find a date quickly, and sometimes even find true love. To keep it fun, it’s important people are aware of how to do so safely,’ he said.
However romance-seekers should also stay on high alert for floral scams.
The ACCC is urging people buying flowers to keep an eye out for fake ‘local’ businesses buying outsourced goods and marking up prices.
The ACCC is urging people buying flowers to keep an eye out for fake ‘local’ businesses buying outsourced goods and marking up prices
Several local florists are being investigated for buying floral arrangements from off-site distribution centres and selling them at high costs under the guise of being a locally grown product.
ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard said people were happy to pay more for reliable local products but were being misled.
‘When national order gatherers use suburb specific information in their online digital marketing, it may mislead a consumer into thinking they are dealing with a small local business,’ she said.
Scams should be reported to Scamwatch and the ATO hotline on 1800 008 540.
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