A young chef who moved to Australia in search of a better life lost his entire first paycheck to a scam on a dating app. The victim, Eman Recio, had high hopes for a new job, a new start, and maybe even new love. But just weeks after arriving, those hopes were shaken by a cruel trick.
A New Start Turns Into a Nightmare
Eman Recio came to Australia full of dreams. He had just landed a cooking job and was ready to build his future. Like many newcomers, he also felt a bit lonely. He decided to try a dating app to meet new people.
Soon, he started chatting with someone who seemed kind and friendly. The messages turned romantic. It felt like something real. But sadly, it was not.
The person on the other side was a scammer.
A Fake Romance That Cost Him Everything
The scam started small. The scammer told Eman they had a problem and needed help. They said their bank account was frozen and they couldn’t buy food. They promised to pay him back quickly.
Eman believed the story. He sent money to help. Then, the scammer asked for more. This time, they needed help with rent.
By the time Eman realized what was happening, his whole first paycheck was gone.
“I just wanted to help someone I cared about,” Eman said. “I didn’t know it was all fake.”
Romance Scams on the Rise
Eman’s story is, sadly, not rare. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reports that romance scams are growing. In 2024 alone, Australians lost over $40 million to fake online lovers.
These scams often start on popular apps. The scammers build trust. Then, they ask for money. Sometimes it’s for fake emergencies. Other times, it’s for fake investments.
According to the ACCC’s Scamwatch, most victims never get their money back.
What To Do If You’re Scammed
If you think you’ve been scammed, act fast. Here’s what you can do:
- Report it to the ACCC: Visit www.scamwatch.gov.au or call the Australian Cyber Security Hotline at 1300 292 371.
- Contact your bank: They may be able to stop payments or help recover your money.
- Call the police: Reporting the scam helps others stay safe too.
Even if the scammer is overseas, Australian cyber experts may still investigate.
“We urge anyone who suspects a scam to report it,” said an ACCC spokesperson. “Sharing your experience could stop the next victim.”
Tips to Stay Safe on Dating Apps
To protect yourself from online scams, experts recommend:
- Don’t send money to people you haven’t met in person.
- Be careful if someone shares a sob story early on.
- Look for signs of fake profiles. Poor grammar, fast-moving romance, or stories that don’t add up are red flags.
- Talk to friends or family. They can offer another point of view.
Eman’s Message to Others
Eman is now back at work and trying to move forward. He wants others to learn from what happened to him.
“Don’t trust too fast,” he said. “Even if they sound real, they might be lying.”
He hopes that by sharing his story, he can stop the scammer from hurting someone else.
