Secure My Treasures

Older people, dating and romance scams

More than ever older people are dating. Many opt to play the field, looking to find the right one rather than just anyone. Dating apps offer a convenient and discrete way for older people, especially those less mobile, to search for companionship or romance. They are an easy alternative to being forced to strike up awkward conversations with a potential love interest that you’ve met through your social networks or community activities. And it is easier to hide an online romance from inquisitive family members.

Romance scams that target the lonely and vulnerable are rife. The statistics are scary, considering that many romance scams go unreported. This is, perhaps, because of the unbearable humiliation of being taken to the cleaners financially. In Australia, people aged 55 and over lost $12 million to romance scammers in 2024. Despite their best efforts, the more reputable dating apps can be ineffectual in protecting you from unscrupulous criminals.

Be very, very wary when it comes to online dating.  Don’t let loneliness, the craving to feel loved and be wanted to stir up romantic feelings inside you for someone who looks deliciously good looking in a photo, but you have never met. When it comes to data apps, let your brain do all of the thinking. Ask yourself, “How do I know that I can trust this person? What’s behind the mask?

How do you know that your suitor is a real person who lives where they say they live? What do you know about their background? Why should you believe everything they say? Is this a person you are willing to introduce to your children? If your “apparent” perfect match looks and sounds too good to be true, they are probably a scammer.

Below, we offer some great resources to help you identify romance scammers and to keep you safe from harm.

But sometimes online dating does work out. If it does for you, please wear a condom. There has been a steady rise in cases of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis among Australians aged 40 and over.

References

Looking for love online? Protect yourself from scammers.

Government of South Australia, Consumer and Business Services

https://www.cbs.sa.gov.au/campaigns/scammers-give-love-a-bad-name

Dating and Romance Scams, Victoria Police

https://www.police.vic.gov.au/dating-and-romance-scams

Chantiri E. The woman hunting down romance scammers. Information Age

https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2024/the-woman-hunting-down-romance-scammers.html

Power, J, STI rates are increasing among midlife and older adults. We need to talk about it. The Conversation, November 26, 2024.

https://theconversation.com/sti-rates-are-increasing-among-midlife-and-older-adults-we-need-to-talk-about-it-243692?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=bylinecopy

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