Financial red flags
Look for sudden changes in your loved ones’ spending habits, secretive financial behaviour or unusual money management. These could indicate they are being financially scammed.
- Sudden secretiveness about finances or bank statements.
- Unexplained money transfers or withdrawals.
- New accounts opened without a clear reason.
- Asking family and friends for money for emergencies or opportunities.
- Receiving unexpected packages, gift cards, or mail.
- Talking about guaranteed investment returns or once-in-a-lifetime deals.
- Mentions of cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, or other unusual investment platforms.
- References to paying with gift cards, wire transfers, or other unusual payment methods.
Relationship red flags
Online romance scams often follow predictable patterns where scammers build emotional connections with their victims before requesting money or personal information.
- New online romance with someone they’ve never met in person.
- Partner claims they can’t meet in person due to travel, being deployed overseas, or some other unusual reason.
- Stories about the partner needing money for emergencies like medical bills, unexpected travel expenses or customs fees.
- Photos of the partner that look too professional or model-like.
- Partner’s stories lack detail, don’t add up or change over time.
- Partner refuses to video call or always has excuses for why they can’t video call including technical and reception issues (though, some scammers will video call).
- Relationship has moved very quickly to declarations of love and affection.
- Partner asks for personal information like full name, address or financial details.
- Partner seeks to move communication off dating apps to encrypted messaging platforms.
Communication red flags
Be alert to unusual communication patterns, unexpected contact from strangers or secretive behaviour around phone calls and messages.
- Receiving numerous calls from unknown international numbers.
- Secretive about phone calls or messages.
- New online friends or contacts they’re very excited about.
- Mentions of business opportunities from new online contacts.
- Receiving official-looking emails or texts about account problems.
- Talking about winning prizes or lotteries they didn’t enter.
- References to government agencies, banks, or companies contacting them unexpectedly. Especially organisations that had a previous data breach.
- Contact from recruiters and representatives of companies offering job opportunities.
Behaviour red flags
Scam victims often display noticeable changes in behaviour that may indicate they’re being manipulated. These could be changes in mood, social habits or decision-making.
- Defensive or angry when asked about new relationships or opportunities.
- Spending more time online than usual, especially late at night.
- Secretive about computer or phone activities.
- Sudden excitement about financial opportunities.
- Isolating from family and friends who ask questions.
- Mood swings related to online interactions.
- Making decisions with unusual urgency.
- Talking about helping someone they’ve met online.
Things to remember
- One or 2 red flags might be a coincidence, but multiple flags together suggest possible scamming.
- Approach with love, not judgment. Shame can make people hide problems.
- Scammers are sophisticated, anyone can be a victim.
- Early intervention can limit damage. Don’t wait to escalate a scam.
- You can’t force someone to stop engaging. You can offer support, information and advice.
