Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) is warning the Australians about the risks associated with online romance scams.
“ACBPS is investigating a number of incidents where people have unknowingly been used as drug mules. In particular, cases of people bringing packages into Australia or sending packages to Australia for others that are laced with drugs.” ACBPS Regional Director NSW, Tim Fitzgerald commented.
Mr Fitzgerald explained that the most common targets of online romance scams are middle aged women and men aged 30-55 years old. Fitzgerald added that Scammers may take months to build what seems like the romance of a lifetime, once they have gained your trust they will ask you for a favour. This may include bringing packages into Australia for them.
“Scammers continue to change their approach to gain your trust. Online dating sites are just one area that they have expanded into. If you are asked to bring packages back to Australia or receive packages from overseas you may be inadvertently importing illegal drugs and will be subject to law enforcement action.” Mr Fitzgerald commented.

If you believe that you may be a victim of a scam and are in a foreign country there is help available to you:

• Seek help from an Australian Embassy or Consulate if it is safe to do so.
• Ensure you register your travel plans on www.smarttraveller.gov.au before you go overseas.
• Call the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade who operate Smarttraveller 24 hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 for advice and help.
• If you can’t avoid carrying packages, because your life is at risk, seek help from a Customs and Border Protection officer at the border immediately.
• Report to Customs Watch by calling 1800 06 1800.