The National Anti-Scam Centre has published a report detailing the outcomes of the Romance Scam Fusion Cell, which operated from July to December 2025. This initiative brought together various stakeholders, including dating platforms, law enforcement, banks, and victim support services, to combat the rising issue of romance scams.

Romance scams have consistently ranked among the top three types of scams, with Scamwatch reporting over $28.6 million in losses in 2025 alone. The report emphasizes the emotional and financial toll these scams take on victims, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts to disrupt such activities.

Key achievements of the taskforce include the establishment of new frameworks for sharing information between banks and cryptocurrency exchanges, leading to the prevention of potential thefts. The taskforce also referred numerous scam websites and accounts for takedown, and improved on-platform safety by sharing intelligence on scam trends.

Additionally, the taskforce developed operational capabilities, including frontline response guides for various stakeholders and a pilot referral process to connect victims with support services. They also created resources aimed at raising awareness and providing support to at-risk populations.

Deputy Chair of the ACCC, Catriona Lowe, emphasized the personal nature of romance scams and the need for ongoing collaboration to mitigate their impact. The report concludes with a call for continued efforts to disrupt scam activities and support victims.