TL;DR: In February 2026, NZ Police arrested a 44-year-old Ellerslie woman over an alleged romance scam that began online in 2006 and ran for about 18 years. Police allege she obtained $525,537 from a Dunedin man. She faces a representative charge of obtaining by deception. Most romance scams are run offshore, which makes this local arrest unusual. The lesson: long relationships that are always about money are still scams.
What Police allege
From NZ Police (11 February 2026):
- An "elaborate" romance scam starting online in 2006.
- Dunedin Police, with Auckland City Financial Crime Unit, executed a search warrant at an Auckland property.
- A 44-year-old Ellerslie woman was arrested.
- Police allege she obtained $525,537.
- The charge: a representative charge of obtaining by deception, covering the whole period.
These are allegations; the case was due in Auckland District Court on 17 February 2026.
Eighteen years
That’s not a scam, that’s a second career. And it shows how romance fraud really works: not a single big hit, but years of small, emotional requests that add up.
Why romance scams last so long
- Sunk cost: the more someone has given, the harder it is to walk away.
- Shame: victims often hide it from family.
- Plausible excuses: there’s always a reason they can’t meet.
- Isolation: scammers encourage secrecy.
Police note romance scams are often run by offshore offenders, making prosecution hard, and stress the emotional and financial harm.
Warning signs
- You’ve never met in person (or every meeting gets cancelled)
- Requests for money keep coming, each with a new crisis
- They discourage you from telling friends or family
- They avoid live video calls
What to do
- Be very cautious meeting people online or on dating apps.
- Talk to someone you trust. A second opinion is the best defence.
- Read Netsafe’s romance scam guidance.
- Call your bank and report to Police (105) if money’s involved.
More: romance scam red flags and how to check a dating profile. Australia’s version: Queensland’s $6M year. A free exposure check shows what data about you is already out there.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long did the Dunedin romance scam last?
Police allege it began online in 2006 and ran for about 18 years.
How much did the Dunedin man lose?
Police allege the suspect obtained $525,537.
Who was arrested?
A 44-year-old woman from Ellerslie, Auckland, charged with obtaining by deception.
Are most romance scammers in New Zealand?
Police say romance scams are often run by offshore offenders, which makes prosecution difficult.