Authorities have texted more than 5000 potential victims in Australia to warn they may have been targeted by romance scammers based in the Philippines.
The National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC), in partnership with the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Collaboration Centre (JPC3), has today texted potential victims, who are mostly male, urging them not to send money to people they've met online and outlined next steps to take if they have already sent money to the scammers.
The potential victims were identified following an investigation by Philippines authorities into a scam compound operating in central Manila, in November 2024.
More than 300 computer towers, 1000 mobile phones, and thousands of SIM cards were located by Philippines authorities and evidence gathered during the investigation has been shared with international law enforcement partners to help identify potential victims, including those who may not be aware they have been targeted.
Under Operation Firestorm, the JPC3 identified more than 5000 Australian-based phone numbers linked to messages found on an end-to-end encryption platform on the devices.
Operation Firestorm is a global operation launched by the JPC3 in August 2024, to address and disrupt offshore organised crime networks deceiving Australians through romance, cryptocurrency and investment scams.
The significant amount of technology located during the operation required extensive analysis, and JPC3 technical and cryptocurrency experts spent hundreds of hours extracting crucial evidence.
It is alleged the scammers, using popular online dating apps, tricked victims into a fake online romantic relationship, before convincing them to purchase legitimate cryptocurrency. They would request a minimum first investment between AUD $300 - $800 dollars, before encouraging the victim to invest more money.
The suspected scammer would then deceive the victim into transferring funds from the legitimate crypto exchange account into the scammer's account.
Most of the Australian victims targeted were men over 35. The fraudsters posed as either a Filipino female working in Australia or a local female resident in the Philippines.
The investigation has so far resulted in the arrest of more than 250 suspects by Philippine law enforcement authorities.
AFP Commander Cybercrime Operations Graeme Marshall said the investigation highlighted the importance of international partnerships in disrupting serious organised cybercrime networks while supporting victims.
"The AFP worked closely with our partners, the National Anti-Scam Centre and Philippines Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the National Bureau of Investigation, to ensure Australians targeted by this malicious scam were identified and given advice to help protect themselves online," AFP Cmdr Marshall said.
"We urge anyone who received a text message warning from the National Anti-Scam Centre to take it very seriously and refrain from sending money to people you've met online.
"If you have already sent someone money or cryptocurrency, please report it to your bank immediately, then to police via ReportCyber. To help others avoid similar scams, you can also report it to ScamWatch.
"When it comes to romance scams, our message to the public is simple: protect your heart and your wallet. If it feels too good to be true, it probably is.
"There are many warning signs someone you've met online could be trying to scam you. In this case, the scammer would ask to move the conversation from an online dating app to an end-to-end encryption messaging platform.
"Cybercriminals commonly use this technique to protect themselves from being reported and removed from online dating or social media platforms.
"We urge the public to familiarise themselves with the warning signs of romance scams to help protect themselves, loved ones, friends and family when interacting with people online."
Australian Competition & Consumer Commission Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said in 2024, Australians reported losing $23.6 million to dating and romance scams.
"Romance scammers prey on people seeking connection. Criminals build trust over time and often abuse this trust by encouraging people to make large investments leaving victims with significant financial losses and emotional distress," Ms Lowe said.
"We encourage people to always independently verify any investment opportunity via trusted sources such as an Australian registered financial advisor."
How to stop, check and protect yourself from romance scams
- Never send money or cryptocurrency to anyone you've met online. Be sceptical of any requests for money, no matter how genuine the story may seem.
- Verify the person's identity. Take things slow and be wary if their story doesn't add up or if they refuse to video chat or meet in person. Conduct reverse image searches on their profile pictures at https://images.google.com.
- Beware of overly affectionate behaviour. If someone you've just met online starts professing love quickly, it's a red flag.
- Be careful of what you share. Never disclose personal information or send intimate photos to people you don't know as this may be used to blackmail you or steal your identity.
What to do if you're a victim of a scam
- Stop all communication with the scammer
- Take screenshots of conversations and profiles before blocking the scammer on all platforms.
- Contact your bank if you have transferred money or suspect unusual account activity.
- Report it to police at www.cyber.gov.au.
- Report suspected scams to www.scamwatch.gov.au to help others avoid similar scams.
- If you were contacted via social media, report it to the social media platform.
- Use strong, unique passphrases on your accounts and enable Multi-Factor Authentication wherever possible.
- If you are concerned your identity has been compromised, contact the national identity and cyber support service, IDCARE, at www.idcare.org.
- If you, or someone you know needs help, we encourage you to contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, who provide 24/7 support services.
The JPC3 brings together Australian law enforcement and key industry and international partners to fight cybercrime and prevent harm and financial loss to the Australian community.
We are committed to equipping all Australians with the knowledge and resources to protect themselves against cybercrime.
Watch our cybercrime prevention videos and protect yourself against being a victim.
If there is an immediate threat to life or risk of harm, call 000.
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