In recent years, New Zealand has witnessed a concerning increase in romance scams, leading to significant financial losses among its citizens. These scams typically involve fraudsters establishing fake romantic relationships online to deceive individuals into transferring substantial amounts of money.
Prevalence and Financial Impact
According to data from Netsafe, an online safety organization, Kiwis lost $7.9 million to online romance scams during the first three months of 2018. In the two years leading up to March 2024, there were 645 reported romance scams, resulting in financial losses totaling $4.54 million. Notably, six out of ten victims were women.
Recent Victim Cases
Several recent cases highlight the personal and financial toll of these scams:
- An American woman, referred to as Lea, was deceived over a two-year period by a scammer impersonating New Zealand actor Martin Henderson. She relocated to New Zealand, believing she was preparing to marry Henderson, and lost over $375,000 in the process.
- A Whanganui divorcee lost more than $580,000 over 14 months to an individual posing as a U.S. oil rig worker. The scammer fabricated an elaborate backstory, including fake UK bank accounts and a supposed $3 million fortune.
- An Auckland man was defrauded of nearly $50,000 after being lured into an online romance scam with promises of financial gains and a better life.
Celebrity Impersonation Scams
Impersonation of celebrities has become a notable tactic among scammers. Martin Henderson has been a frequent target, with multiple women reporting being deceived by individuals pretending to be the actor. Henderson has publicly addressed these scams, expressing concerns about the potential for more sophisticated deceptions with advances in deepfake technology.
Underreporting and Awareness
Experts believe that the actual number of romance scam cases is higher than reported, as victims often feel embarrassed or ashamed to come forward. Tom Roberts, leader of the Threat and Incident Response team at the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), noted that these incidents are severely underreported.
Preventive Measures
To mitigate the risk of falling victim to romance scams, individuals are advised to:
- Be cautious when engaging in online relationships, especially if the other party quickly professes strong emotions or seeks financial assistance.
- Verify the authenticity of the person’s identity through video calls or independent research.
- Refrain from sending money or sharing financial information with individuals met online.
- Report suspicious activities to authorities or organizations like Netsafe for guidance and support.
As online interactions become more prevalent, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and informed to protect themselves from such fraudulent schemes.
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