Greek Australians need to be aware of a spate of a sophisticated romance scam orchestrated by overseas cybercriminals. More than 5,000 Australians have received urgent warnings from authorities, alerting them to a according to the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC), in collaboration with the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Collaboration Centre (JPC3), has contacted potential victims, cautioning them against sending money to online love interests.

The warnings come at the heels of a major investigation by Philippine authorities in November 2024, which uncovered a scam operation in central Manila. Authorities seized over 300 computer towers, 1,000 mobile phones, and thousands of SIM cards. The evidence collected has been shared with international law enforcement, including Australian agencies, to identify victims—many of whom may still be unaware they were targeted.

Operation Firestorm unmasks global fraud network

Under Operation Firestorm, launched in August 2024, JPC3 identified over 5,000 Australian phone numbers linked to messages found on an encrypted messaging platform. The scam was a global effort to defraud Australians through romance, cryptocurrency, and investment scams.

The perpetrators used popular online dating apps to establish fake romantic relationships with victims, most of whom were Australian men over 35. They would pose as Filipino women working in Australia or local women based in the Philippines, luring victims into transferring money under the guise of cryptocurrency investments.

Victims were initially convinced to invest amounts ranging from AUD $300 to $800 before being pressured to deposit larger sums. However, instead of genuine investments, their funds were diverted into scammer-controlled accounts. Philippine law enforcement has since arrested over 250 suspects linked to the operation.

Authorities urge public vigilance

AFP Commander Cybercrime Operations Graeme Marshall emphasised the importance of global cooperation in tackling organised cybercrime and protecting Australians from financial and emotional harm.

“We urge anyone who received a warning text from the National Anti-Scam Centre to take it seriously and refrain from sending money to people they meet online,” Cmdr Marshall said.

“If you have already transferred money, report it immediately to your bank and then to police via ReportCyber. You can also alert ScamWatch to help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.

“When it comes to romance scams, our message is clear: protect your heart and your wallet. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Cybercriminals often persuade victims to move conversations off dating apps to encrypted messaging platforms to avoid detection. Authorities urge the public to be aware of such tactics and remain cautious when forming online relationships.

Romance scams cost Australians millions

Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe revealed that Australians lost $23.6 million to dating and romance scams in 2024 alone.

“Romance scammers prey on those looking for connection, building trust over time before convincing victims to make substantial financial investments. The financial and emotional toll can be devastating,” Ms Lowe said.

“We encourage people to independently verify any investment opportunities through trusted sources, such as registered financial advisors.”

How to spot and protect yourself from romance scams

Authorities have outlined key tips to avoid falling victim to online romance scams:

  •  Never send money or cryptocurrency to someone you have met online.
  •  Verify identities—conduct a reverse image search on profile pictures and be wary of those unwilling to video chat or meet in person.
  •  Beware of rapid affection—if someone professes love too quickly, it’s a red flag.
  •  Protect personal information—avoid sharing sensitive details or intimate photos online, as they can be used for blackmail.

What to do if you’ve been scammed

If you suspect you’ve been targeted, take the following steps immediately:

  •  Cease all communication with the scammer
  • Take screenshots of conversations before blocking them
  • Contact your bank if you have transferred money.

– Report the scam to www.cyber.gov.au and www.scamwatch.gov.au

– Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on your accounts for added security.

– If your identity has been compromised, contact IDCARE at www.idcare.org.

– If you need emotional support, reach out to Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 224 636).