Warning over brutal romance scam which sees innocent Aussies fleeced out of thousands of dollars – here are the red flags to spot
- AFP are warning people in online relationships to watch out for red flags
- Some are falling victim to a cruel romance scam where they are asked for cash
- They then unwittingly become money mules for international crime gangs
Aussies in online relationships have been warned to look out for signs their ‘partners’ may be using them to launder money after a national crackdown identified more than a dozen victims of romance scams.
An anti-money laundering campaign initiated by the Australian Federal Police found 15 people had been used as money mules, leading to 21 arrests around the country.
The victims had been exploited into transferring illicit money on behalf of seasoned criminals, many of whom were the members of syndicates.
While police officers intervened when these incidents involved innocent victims, those who were found to knowingly participate in legal schemes could face serious penalties, including jail for up to 25 years, the AFP warned.
Australians who were charged were accused of dealing in the proceeds of crime.
AFP cybercrime operations commander Chris Goldsmid said some criminals were trying to prey on people…
