TL;DR: The WA Government said on February 14, 2026 that 63 Western Australians reported romance scam losses in 2025, up from 55 in 2024, with losses of more than $3.8 million (2024: $4.98 million). Nationally, Scamwatch data shows women accounted for 61.6% of total losses and people aged 65 and over recorded the highest losses. “Romance baiting” into fake crypto investments is a key tactic.
The WA figures
A WA Government media statement for Valentine's Day 2026 says 63 Western Australians reported romance scam losses in 2025, up from 55 in 2024. Reported losses totalled more than $3.8 million, compared with $4.98 million in 2024. The statement does not give the largest individual loss.
National picture from Scamwatch
- Men made 55.5% of romance scam reports and women 37.4%.
- Women accounted for 61.6% of total losses.
- People aged 65 and over recorded the highest losses of any age group.
Tactics to watch
The statement highlights “romance baiting”, where victims are lured into fake investments, often cryptocurrency, and traditional romance scams where scammers build emotional bonds over months or years before asking for money. Other signs include quickly intense affection, moving chats off dating apps, invented overseas stories, money requests and isolating victims from loved ones. It says AI deepfake videos are making scams harder to spot. Minister Dr Tony Buti said “Romance scammers are patient operators” and that if someone you have never met asks for money, “the answer should always be no”.
Safety advice from the statement
- Be wary of anyone who will not meet in person or makes video calls only.
- Never send money, personal or identity documents to someone you have not met face to face.
- Do not transfer money for anyone else; it could be money laundering.
- Talk to trusted friends or family, since secrecy is a warning sign.
- Use reverse image searches on profile photos.
- If a victim, contact your bank immediately and beware of recovery scams.
Read how to reverse-image search a profile, our national scam data for 2025 and how to report a scam to Scamwatch. Scams can be reported through WA ScamNet. Run our free digital footprint check to see what is exposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Western Australians reported romance scam losses in 2025?
63, up from 55 in 2024, with losses of more than $3.8 million.
What is romance baiting?
Luring victims into fake investments, often cryptocurrency, after building a relationship.
Who loses the most nationally?
Women accounted for 61.6% of total losses, and people aged 65 and over recorded the highest losses by age group.
Where do I report a scam in WA?
Through WA ScamNet and Scamwatch.
Sources
- WA Government: Tainted love, romance scam victims climb in 2025 (Feb 14, 2026)
- Scamwatch (National Anti-Scam Centre)