Published Wednesday, 13 February, 2008 at 07:35 AM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Don't Let a Scammer Steal Your Heart and Money This Valentine's Day
If you are looking for love this Valentine’s Day, watch out for scammers who are trying to steal your money instead of your heart.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, people looking for a companion may turn to introduction agents or online dating services.
“Over the past two years the Office of Fair Trading has received 77 complaints relating to online dating fraud, dating services and introduction agencies,” Mr Shine said.
“The Office of Fair Trading had also received reports of scammers targeting people subscribed to online dating websites.
“Online dating scammers typically pose as someone interested in exploring a possible romantic relationship. The scammer earns the victim’s trust through regular emails, before asking the victim for money.”
Mr Shine said they may ask the victim to send money for an airfare so they can meet each other, or they might claim a family medical emergency and ask for financial assistance.
“These scams are particularly cruel as they prey on people looking for companionship, who may pay money if they believe it will help the relationship,” Mr Shine said.
“While many people on dating websites are genuinely looking for love, take extra caution when talking to strangers online and never give out personal information such as bank account or credit card details.”
Mr Shine said people using introduction agents also need to know their consumer rights before they hand over their money.
“Most introduction agents do the right thing, but I urge people to do their research and use their heads as well as their hearts when signing on for these services,” he said.
“Be wary of agents asking for large upfront fees for introductions. Under the Introduction Agents Act 2001, agents must not charge more than 30 per cent as a deposit for the service.
“Agents must also be licensed to operate in Queensland, whether they are located here or not. This includes agents who do business over the internet, the telephone, or advertise in Queensland.
“Before you sign any written contracts, the introduction agent must provide a disclosure statement which describes the introduction service, including all fees and charges, how clients are introduced and the agent’s refund policies.
“You are also entitled to a three-day cooling-off-period in case you change your mind.”
For more information on introduction agents download a copy of the Introduction Agents Consumer Fact Sheet from www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400, 0488 799 273
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, people looking for a companion may turn to introduction agents or online dating services.
“Over the past two years the Office of Fair Trading has received 77 complaints relating to online dating fraud, dating services and introduction agencies,” Mr Shine said.
“The Office of Fair Trading had also received reports of scammers targeting people subscribed to online dating websites.
“Online dating scammers typically pose as someone interested in exploring a possible romantic relationship. The scammer earns the victim’s trust through regular emails, before asking the victim for money.”
Mr Shine said they may ask the victim to send money for an airfare so they can meet each other, or they might claim a family medical emergency and ask for financial assistance.
“These scams are particularly cruel as they prey on people looking for companionship, who may pay money if they believe it will help the relationship,” Mr Shine said.
“While many people on dating websites are genuinely looking for love, take extra caution when talking to strangers online and never give out personal information such as bank account or credit card details.”
Mr Shine said people using introduction agents also need to know their consumer rights before they hand over their money.
“Most introduction agents do the right thing, but I urge people to do their research and use their heads as well as their hearts when signing on for these services,” he said.
“Be wary of agents asking for large upfront fees for introductions. Under the Introduction Agents Act 2001, agents must not charge more than 30 per cent as a deposit for the service.
“Agents must also be licensed to operate in Queensland, whether they are located here or not. This includes agents who do business over the internet, the telephone, or advertise in Queensland.
“Before you sign any written contracts, the introduction agent must provide a disclosure statement which describes the introduction service, including all fees and charges, how clients are introduced and the agent’s refund policies.
“You are also entitled to a three-day cooling-off-period in case you change your mind.”
For more information on introduction agents download a copy of the Introduction Agents Consumer Fact Sheet from www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400, 0488 799 273