The Australian Federal Police has discovered a ”rom-con” script used to scam thousands of Australians on online dating apps into a cryptocurrency investment.
Police allege Philippines-based scammers use the script to begin fake romantic relationships with Australians they matched with through online dating apps.
The script includes a backstory, affectionate language, and a timeline that directs the scammer to maintain a conversation with the victim for up to seven days.
The AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre, in partnership with the National Anti-Scam Centre, have published the script in the hopes potential victims can identify it and “stay vigilant to fraudsters trawling online dating apps looking for victims to defraud.”
In a statement, the AFP said the scammer would act like a “kind-hearted Filipino woman” who was living in Australia, or a local female resident in the Philippines, who is heartbroken by an ex-fiancé who wanted “my money, not my love”.
“They would subtly introduce cryptocurrency trading into the conversation as their side job, before framing it as a successful financial venture that helped them achieve significant wealth,” an AFP spokesperson said.
“The scammer would offer to teach the victim how to make a cryptocurrency investment of between AUD $300-$800.
The fraudster would then ask the victim to transfer their funds from the legitimate cryptocurrency exchange platform to the scammer’s online crypto account.
“The scammer would continue to press the victim to make more investments of higher amounts.”
Australian authorities worked closely with Philippines Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the National Bureau of Investigation, identifying more than 5000 potential Australian victims targeted by the scam.
AFP Commander Cybercrime Operations Graeme Marshall said sharing this script with the public encouraged important conversations about online safety.
“We want to make sure everyone using dating apps has the tools and information to be safe online and to swipe left on romance scammers,” Commander Marshall said.
“Scammers will use emotive language and create backstories that sound genuine to try and trick you into giving them money.
“Being deceived by someone online can have long-lasting financial and emotional effects. If something feels off, take a step back, and seek advice from a family member, friend or work colleague.”
Australian Competition & Consumer Commission Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said romance scammers typically preyed on people seeking companionship and connection.
“Australians reported losing $23.6 million to dating and romance scams in 2024,” Ms Lowe said.
“Romance scammers gain victim’s trust over time and then exploit it, often persuading them to invest large sums of money. The consequences can be devastating both financially and emotionally.
Full script, as per the AFP, below: