Romance scams are some of the most devastating scams today. If you're involved, CybearTrack works with you to take immediate action, secure your assets, and build a solid case against scammers.
Romance scams are some of the most popular scams today, disproportionately affecting older adults and people who are isolated, widowed, divorced, or living alone. For many victims, the scammer was a daily presence for months, offering comfort, routine, and emotional support.
If you’re involved in an online dating scam, you’re not alone. CybearTrack works with victims to take immediate action, secure their assets, and build a solid case against their scammers. We’ll move at your pace, explain each step clearly, and focus first on protecting you from further financial harm.
Understanding how these scams work is the first step to protecting yourself.
Scammers also pose as famous actors and musicians. Read how one Australian lost thousands in a celebrity romance scam.
Mark* met Sarah* online through a dating platform. They chatted for months, and she’d send him daily messages, remembering small details about his life and speaking often about a future together. Sarah said she was working overseas on an offshore contract, which explained why they couldn’t meet in person.
The emotional bond felt genuine, and that was exactly how it was designed.
When the requests for help began, they seemed reasonable (i.e. unexpected hospital bills and emergency travel issues). Over time, the amounts increased. When Mark hesitated, she responded with more affection, guilt, and even emotional pressure.
Tens of thousands of dollars later, Sarah’s messages stopped and she vanished overnight, leaving Mark feeling ashamed, isolated, and deeply betrayed. In the weeks that followed, Mark was contacted again, this time by people claiming to be “recovery agents” who promised to get his money back for a fee. This the second approach planned by the scammers.
Having the right support is critical for victims like Mark. With a solid recovery approach, Mark can mitigate his losses, find clarity, and get professional support.
*Not their real names
If you need romance scam help, our team can step in quickly. Here’s how.
Not sure the person is real? Tell us what is happening and we’ll help you check the profile, the story and the money requests.
We help you save the conversations, photos, transfer receipts and wallet addresses that banks and police ask for.
We look at how and when you paid, and tell you plainly what is and isn’t likely to be recoverable.
We guide you through reporting to your bank, the dating app or social platform, ReportCyber and Scamwatch.
Follows Australian reporting requirements and international best practices.
Upload all case and scam information through our encrypted platform.
Your privacy and case data are protected at every step.
A stress-free process designed to guide you every step of the way.
Do not transfer more money, cryptocurrency, or make any more purchases.
Gather as much information as you can. Take screenshots, chat logs, payment receipts, TX IDs, profile links, or any documents.
Change banking and platform passwords, remove auto-debit functions, and run a malware scan on your computer.
File official reports with the relevant authorities in your country. You’ll need a reference number for any banks and platforms
Sometimes, but it depends on how you paid and how quickly you act. Bank transfers and card payments can sometimes be stopped or recalled if your bank is told within hours. Money sent as gift cards, cash or cryptocurrency is much harder to get back, although crypto payments can be traced on the blockchain and an exchange may freeze a linked account when police ask.
Call your bank first, then report the scam to ReportCyber so police have a record. Be careful of anyone who contacts you offering to get the money back for an upfront fee. That is a recovery scam, and it often targets romance scam victims.
For romance scam help with your own case, CybearTrack can review your payments and tell you honestly what options you have. See what to do in the first 24 hours.
Start with a calm conversation, not an accusation. People caught in a romance scam often defend the scammer, because the relationship feels real to them. Ask questions instead: have you met in person or on a live video call? Have they ever asked for money? Do a reverse image search of their photos together. If money has already been sent, help them call their bank and report it to Scamwatch. IDCARE offers free support to Australians affected by scams and identity crime.
Dealing with a Romance or Online Dating Scam can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s what your after-action will look like with CybearTrack.
Contact our team and tell us about your unique case. This includes timelines as well as where and how the romance scam happened. We’ll also advise you on any time-sensitive operations that you’ll need to do immediately.
You’ll be given access to our secure client portal to upload your evidence, such as chats, screenshots, bank details, and other documents. All uploads will help us triage and build your case.
We’ll produce a clear action plan and will help you file reports with ReportCyber, Scamwatch, ASIC (when relevant) and other regulators. If money has moved offshore, our investigators will trace it and work with partners and legal channels to request freezes or information.
Our team will keep you informed with regular updates, next steps, and realistic expectations, plus timelines. Although we cannot guarantee full recovery, what we can guarantee is a professional, transparent process focused on protecting you and preventing further harm of your funds, our fast process and strong relationship with local authorities can improve your recovery outcomes and minimise further loss.
Scammers are smart and targeted, but so are we. Get help with CybearTrack.
If you may be dealing with a romance scam, don’t panic. Do the following immediately:
In online dating, scammers may ask for help with medical or hospital bills, emergency travel costs, and business or investment opportunities. They may tell you that their bank funds are locked and that they need money to “release” these funds or assets.
Scammers may also ask for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or bank transfers, and in some cases request access to your devices or accounts.
After a romance scam, the victim’s details are often sold to recovery scammers who will pose as investigators or legal agents. They will promise you a full recovery for a fee. Legitimate recovery services will never guarantee results or pressure you into upfront payments. If someone contacts you offering recovery, contact CybearTrack for independent advice.
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