Cairns Police would like to remind residents to be vigilant and aware of Romance Scams, which can cost victims a significant amount of money.
When you receive a request online from someone you have never met, carefully consider any requests they make for your personal details or money.
A recent investigation found a 60-year-old Cairns woman lost $200,000 to a scammer who intentionally spent time establishing an online connection and trust with her.
A Romance Scam typically begins with the scammer sending an unsolicited request or message through a social media platform.
These profiles are fake profiles, however, can appear genuine. They may also encourage you to continue to communicate on different communication or social media platforms.
Over time the scammer builds a story, such as being deployed overseas and unable to access their own funds.
Detective Acting Inspector Cindy Searle says scammers aim to manipulate victims by first establishing a trusting online connection then requesting money.
"If someone has been a victim of a Romance Scam, it's important to understand you are not at fault. The people behind these scams are well practiced in gaining your trust so you will act on their requests," she said.
"A scammer may ask you to send money. They may ask you to send cash in packages, make an online transfer either in cryptocurrency or funds, or even open accounts they can access.
"Before making any transactions think about what you really know about the person. If you have not met them in person, you can't be sure they are who they say they are. "
If you feel you, or someone you know has fallen victim to this type of Scam you can find more information through a number of websites including ScamWatch, ID care or the Queensland Police Service webpage.
These resources will assist you with obtaining support and provide you with reporting options.
What can you do if you think your family or friend is being scammed?
If you see signs of stress, depression or withdrawing from usual activities of a family member or friend, that may be a sign something could be wrong.
If your loved one is being scammed, be patient and understand that they may feel embarrassed.
Victims of scams often feel embarrassed, or afraid to talk to their family.
Try and identify how your family member has been scammed:
• If they have given their financial information to a scammer, immediately help them to contact their bank or credit card provider to monitor or stop all transactions.
• Block the scammer's email address or 'unfriend' them from all social media sites and apps.
• Consider changing your family members email address, phone number and all passwords.
• If a physical address has been given to a scammer, advise Police, report cybercrime and report a scam.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
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