TL;DR: YourLifeChoices reported on June 23, 2026 that a Melbourne woman, “Jane”, who has autism and a learning disability, lost $646,035 in 41 transfers after matching with a man on Hinge in May 2025. ING declined to reimburse her and the Australian Financial Complaints Authority upheld the bank's decision. Australia's new scam laws start fully on March 31, 2027.
What happened
YourLifeChoices reports that a Melbourne woman referred to as “Jane” (not her real name), who has autism and a learning disability, matched with a man on Hinge in May 2025. BritBrief adds that they moved to WhatsApp and the scammer, using the name “Joe” and claiming to be a FIFO worker, promised a future together and asked for money for work equipment, with repayment at 50% interest. His last message said he was going to prison over a lost contract. He never contacted her again.
The losses
- 41 separate transfers, some as high as $20,000, totalling $646,035.
- The money went to cryptocurrency trading platforms known to be associated with scam activity.
- She opened an ING account at the scammer's direction, according to BritBrief.
The bank and the ombudsman
ING declined to reimburse her. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) upheld the bank's decision. It recognised a “devastating financial and personal loss” but found the transactions were carried out as instructed and that existing rules gave it limited scope to intervene. Her lawyers argue the bank had chances to detect and intervene; ING declined to comment on the case, according to BritBrief.
What the new laws will and will not do
The Scams Prevention Framework will not fully apply until March 31, 2027, and the proposed automatic reimbursement covers losses under $3,000. Online dating apps are not initially covered, and consumer advocate Meg Dalling said the laws remain “totally reliant on industry”. YourLifeChoices cites a scam reimbursement rate under 10% in Australia, against 88% of authorised push payment scam losses reimbursed in the UK in 2025. Hinge has introduced “Face Check” verification in Australia. Compare with the Hinge safety guide.
Red flags
- A match who moves you off the app quickly and asks for money for work or emergencies.
- Promised high returns or interest on money you lend.
- Transfers to crypto platforms you have not used before.
- A sudden story about prison or a lost contract when you stop paying.
Stop, check and protect: never send money to someone you have not met in person. Support is available from IDCARE on 1800 595 160, and you can report to Scamwatch. See the recovery process and run our free digital footprint check.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the woman lose?
$646,035 across 41 transfers, some as high as $20,000.
Did the bank refund her?
No. ING declined to reimburse her and AFCA upheld the decision.
When do Australia's new scam laws start?
The Scams Prevention Framework does not fully apply until March 31, 2027, and dating apps are not initially covered.
Where can victims get support?
IDCARE on 1800 595 160, and report to Scamwatch.
Sources
- YourLifeChoices: Romance scam leaves woman with a devastating $646,035 loss (Jun 23, 2026)
- BritBrief: Melbourne woman loses $646,035 to romance scam; advocates question laws
- Scamwatch (National Anti-Scam Centre)