TL;DR: Consumer Affairs Victoria said on February 3, 2026 that national reported romance scam losses fell to $23.6 million in 2024 from $34.3 million in 2023, but 2025 losses had already passed the 2024 total by September. Men made 55.5% of 2025 reports, but women accounted for 61.6% of losses. The average individual loss rose to over $8,500.
The headline numbers
Consumer Affairs Victoria published these national figures on February 3, 2026:
- Reported romance scam losses were $23.6 million in 2024, down from $34.3 million in 2023.
- 2025 losses had passed the whole 2024 total by September.
- The average individual loss rose from about $8,000 to over $8,500.
- People aged 65 and over had the highest total losses of any age group, at $8.1 million.
Later 2025 reporting puts the full-year Scamwatch figure at more than $28.6 million, up 21.8%, with $8.8 million lost by people aged 65 and over, as we covered in the Perth grandfather case. The two sets of figures cover different periods.
Men report more, women lose more
Men made 55.5% of 2025 romance scam reports and women 37.4%. But women accounted for 61.6% of national losses and men 38.2%. In short, men report more often, but women lose more money.
How the scams work now
Acting Director Melissah Broadbent said “scammers build trust over weeks and months” and “target anyone”. Reports often peak mid-year, months after the relationships begin. The release names two main types:
- Romance baiting: a fake relationship that leads into a fake investment, often in cryptocurrency. See the $646,035 Hinge case.
- Traditional romance scams: an emotional bond, then requests for money or transfers.
AI is making the deception more convincing, including fake video calls, as in the deepfake “nurse” case.
Warning signs
- Intense early affection and moving the chat to WhatsApp or Telegram.
- An invented overseas or military backstory.
- Avoiding in-person meetings or last-minute video calls.
- Pressure to keep the relationship secret.
What to do
- Never send money or identity documents to someone you have not met in person, and never move money for someone else; that can expose you to money laundering.
- Run a reverse image search on profile photos.
- If scammed, contact your bank immediately, report to Scamwatch and the platform, and beware of recovery scams.
- For identity theft support call IDCARE on 1800 595 160; for emotional support, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Romance scammers research targets through what is public. Our free digital footprint check shows what is out there.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Australians lose to romance scams in 2024?
$23.6 million reported, down from $34.3 million in 2023, according to Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Did losses rise in 2025?
Yes. 2025 losses had passed the 2024 total by September 2025.
Who loses more, men or women?
Men made 55.5% of 2025 reports, but women accounted for 61.6% of losses.
What is romance baiting?
A fake relationship that leads into a fake investment, often in cryptocurrency.
Sources
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: Romance scams surged again last year (Feb 3, 2026)
- YourLifeChoices: 2025 Scamwatch romance figures (Jul 13, 2026)
- Scamwatch (National Anti-Scam Centre)