IF YOU'RE love lost, don't get your heart broken this Valentine's Day by online scams.
Last year 4,100 people reported falling for dating and romance scams had lost more than $25 million, the largest amount of money lost to any type of scam.
Last month more than $1.8 million was lost to dating and romance scams.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is warning people to be wary of scammers when chasing romance online or on social media.
"Reports of dating and romance scams increased by more than a third in 2016 and, sadly, the amount of money reported lost has also increased by about $3 million compared to 2015," ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.
ACCC stats showed Facebook was a popular way for romance scammers to make contact with their victims.
People aged 45 and over were most at risk.
"Scammers create very believable profiles, including stealing the identities of real, trusted people such as military personnel, aid workers or professionals working abroad. If you meet someone who seems too good to be true, do some research to see if they're the real deal," Ms Rickard said.
"Look for inconsistencies in their stories. For example, do they say they are university educated but have poor English and grammar? Is their profile picture legitimate or stolen? These are red flags that you're likely dealing with a scammer.
"Perhaps the biggest warning sign is when a scammer asks you for money. After gaining your trust - often waiting weeks, months or even years - they tell you an elaborate story involving some crisis, or plan to travel to see you and ask for money, gifts or your bank account/credit card details."
Don't share intimate photos or use webcams in an intimate setting. The ACCC has received reports of scammers using such photos or webcam recordings to blackmail victims.
You can report suspect scams to scamwatch.gov.au.