Police are warning Hunter residents to be vigilant against online 'dating scams' - with vulnerable people being conned out of thousands of dollars.
As part of National Scam Awareness Week, Lake Macquarie Police are reminding people of the danger of sending money to new partners met online.
Commander of the NSW Police, Financial Crimes Squad, Detective Superintendent Lynda Howlett says there is an increasing number of people falling victim to these kinds of crimes.
"During Covid-19 isolation people are looking to engage with people outside the home and they're meeting people online, and unfortunately there are a lot of scammers out there who take advantage of innocent victims."
"Be careful about what you disclose about yourself, don't provide too much information."
Superintendent Howlett says there are some key warning signs that you may be dealing with a scammer.
"A lot of the offenders wont go out of their way to meet the victims, they'll always come up with an excuse."
"They might come up with a sob story saying they need money for food or they're stuck in another state, they'll come with any excuse to play on your emotions."
"As soon as they start asking you for money cut them off and have nothing to do with them."
This comes as Hunter woman, Debra Lee-Ann Costelloe faced Newcastle District Court on Wednesday, after she passed $164,000 through her bank account, involved in the proceeds of crime, at the hands of a dating scammer.
Ms Costelloe was given a conditional release order, with parole supervision until August 2022.
Superintendent Howlett says many victims can end up involved in crime.
"A lot of victims will be asked to transfer or hold money on someone else's behalf, or to pay a fine or money to a third party. "
"You could still face serious charges that's why you need to show caution, and if you have any suspicions please report it to police."
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| Image Credit: ACC Scam Watch |
