A 57-year-old Perth woman, Annette Ford, has lost her entire life savings of over $780,000 to two online romance scams.
Her story serves as a warning to others about the dangers of online dating and the importance of being vigilant when searching for love.
A Life of Hard Work Down the Drain
Annette’s life took a turn for the worse after her 33-year marriage ended. She turned to online dating, hoping to find love again.
On the dating site Plenty of Fish, she met a man named William, who claimed to work in Kuala Lumpur. After months of online conversations, William asked Annette for $5,000, saying he had been mugged and needed help with hospital bills.
Annette, desperate for love and connection, sent him the money, unaware that she was being scammed.
A Web of Lies and Deceit
William’s scamming tactics were sophisticated, and he always had a logical explanation for Annette’s concerns.
He even convinced her to pay for a hotel bill and worker salaries, draining her self-managed super fund of over $300,000. Annette reported the incident to the Australian Federal Police, but unfortunately, she did not receive any help.
A Second Scam, A Second Heartbreak
Four years later, Annette met another scammer, Nelson, on Facebook. Nelson claimed to live in Amsterdam and had a friend working for the FBI.
He asked Annette for $2,500 to help with an investigation, and she sent him the money. However, things took a turn when Nelson started sending her money to deposit into a Bitcoin ATM.
Annette was unaware that her account was being used for illegal activities, and she lost around $280,000, her entire capital gain from selling her house.
A Life in Shambles
Annette’s experiences have left her feeling embarrassed, ashamed, and financially ruined. She is now couch-surfing in Helena Valley and relying on Centrelink benefits.
She is in the process of applying for a disability support pension and hopes to find a permanent home in an affordable retirement village.
A Warning to Others
Annette’s story is a stark reminder of the dangers of online romance scams. According to Consumer Protection’s WA ScamNet, 57 West Australians fell victim to these scams in 2024, a decrease from 71 reported victims in 2023.
However, the risk is still high, and people need to be vigilant when using online dating sites and social media. Commissioner Trish Blake warns that scammers are constantly adapting their tactics and using new channels to target their victims.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Annette urges people to trust their instincts and reach out to friends and family if they suspect something is wrong.
She warns that scammers will say all the right things to sweep you off your feet, but their ultimate goal is to take your money and leave you broke.
It’s essential to remember how hard you worked for your money and not to send it to someone you’ve never met.
Stay Safe Online
To avoid falling victim to online romance scams, it’s crucial to be cautious when using online dating sites and social media. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
-
Be wary of people who ask for money or personal information online.
-
Don’t send money to someone you’ve never met.
-
Research the person’s profile and check for red flags.
-
Report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
By being aware of the risks and taking necessary precautions, you can protect yourself from online romance scams and avoid financial ruin.