A sophisticated wave of relationship and “romance baiting” scams is targeting local residents, prompting a fresh warning from Scamwatch and consumer advocates to stay vigilant when connecting online.

With a high concentration of retirees and professionals across suburbs like Turramurra, St Ives, and Mosman, North Shore residents are often viewed as prime targets by overseas syndicates. These scammers use emotional manipulation to fleece victims of life savings, often under the guise of fake medical emergencies or “exclusive” cryptocurrency opportunities.

The National Anti-Scam Centre has launched a new campaign to help locals spot the signs of a relationship scam before the financial and emotional damage becomes irreversible.

While traditional romance scams often play out over months, a newer trend known as “romance baiting” is catching locals off guard. These scams move quickly from friendly banter on dating apps or social media to high-pressure investment pitches.

Scammers build trust, then ask for money, gifts, or personal details, with some scammers pushing fake investments, including cryptocurrency, and ask the person to move the chat to a private messaging app where it’s harder to trace.

For many in our community, particularly those who may be newly single or navigating a life change, the promise of both connection and financial gain can be a powerful lure.

Cristina Davy, Aligned Love Strategist and Coach says “What I’m noticing is that people often see what doesn’t quite fit early on, but part of them still wants to make it work because of how it feels. They’re made to feel special, important, and deeply seen, often very quickly. For someone who has been feeling lonely, that kind of attention can feel very real, even when things don’t fully add up or don’t move into real life in a consistent way.  That’s why it’s important to look at what is actually happening, not just how it feels.”

On the North Shore, where privacy is often valued, scammers use secrecy to isolate their victims. They frequently invent “crises,” such as hospital bills or legal trouble, to pressure residents into sending money quickly via untraceable methods like gift cards or crypto-transfers.

Local residents are urged to watch for these key warning signs:

The “L-Word” Lead: Proclaiming deep feelings or a desire for marriage very quickly.

The Technical Pivot: An insistence on moving the conversation off the original platform to encrypted apps like WhatsApp or Telegram.

The “Broken Camera” Excuse: Repeatedly cancelling video calls or in-person meetings.

Isolation Tactics: Encouraging you to keep the relationship secret from friends, family, or financial advisors.