Insight (1995)

Love Bait (2014x7)

: 31, 2014

"If you're on a dating website you WILL be approached by a fraudster. There's no 'if', 'maybe', 'but'. It will happen." - Det. Supt. Brian Hay, Queensland Police. Jenny met "Gary" on a dating website when she was going through a divorce. He looked "professional and attractive". He told her they were meant for each other and he soon started asking her for money to cover some of his business costs. Jenny sent six figures in six weeks before realising she had been duped. Aussies following their hearts are sending thousands of dollars to partners they've never met in person. If it sounds ludicrous, think again. The frauds are elaborate and sophisticated. Scammers spend months building relationships, sending photos, calling and emailing. When family or the police intervene, many victims refuse to believe it's all a lie. This week, Insight brings together victims, police, dating sites and an international money transfer organisation to find out about the dangers and how not to get caught out.