Help & support
Romance scammers set out to steal your heart in order to defraud you. They usually create fake online identities designed to lure you in. Once they’ve gained your trust, often investing several months of close contact, they use your newfound relationship to request that you send them money or gifts. They may plead with you, asking for cash to help with a non-existent health, travel or family problem, or ask you to transfer assets into their name – using manipulative, psychologically controlling and deceitful tactics to get what they want.
Met someone online? Initial warning signs that things may not be what they seem include:
Message us immediately if you're worried about the security of your account. Our virtual assistant Ceba can help you lock your card or securely connect you to a specialist.
Eddie, a successful 52-year-old business executive, was devastated when his wife of 26 years passed away. After a year of terrible loneliness, Eddie struck up a friendship with Kali, a beautiful 40-year-old woman of African descent, on an internet dating site. Eddie says he was drawn to Kali’s exotic background, and he felt flattered by her attention and care.
Over a period of time, Kali scammed Eddie out of more than $500,000 - read his full story in our Safe & Savvy Guide (page 19).
If you (or someone you know) is a CommBank customer and has been targeted or lost money as a result of being scammed, contact us.
Report the scam via the Australian Cyber Security Centre. Reports may be referred to the police for possible investigation.
Change your passwords and PINs straight away if you suspect your security has been compromised. Change these regularly as a preventative measure.
Contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160. IDCARE is a free, government-funded service that provides support to victims of identity crime.
Visit the ScamWatch website for more information on scams.
Ceba can help you lock your card or securely connect you to a specialist in the CommBank app.
Fast-track your call, see expected wait times and connect with a specialist in the CommBank app.
Send us a copy or screenshot if you receive a hoax email or SMS.
As the advice on this website has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the advice, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. View our Financial Services Guide. Terms and Conditions for these products and services are available online or from any branch of the Commonwealth Bank. The Terms and Conditions should be considered before making any decision about these products.
