Alan Thomsen: ANZ Head of Customer Protection on romance scams

It may be Valentine's Day but not everything in love is chocolates and roses. 

Romance scams are affecting an increasing number of Kiwis, fraudsters crafting elaborate fake relationships and emotional connections in order to convince their victims to send money.  

Last week the Herald reported on a woman who wasted two years and more than $375,000 on what turned out to be a romance scam with an impersonation of actor Martin Henderson. 

ANZ’s Head of Customer Protection Alan Thomsen told Kerre Woodham that there’s a misconception that those who fall victim to romance scams are all over the age of 60, but a third of their victims are under the age of 45.  

He says that many victims are in a vulnerable state, and it’s important for people to stop and pause before committing to anything. 

ANZ is also making an effort to educate and raise awareness around romance scams, creating a unique rose. The “Scammers Bloom”, is a beautiful long-stemmed rose - the ultimate symbol of love - and while it looks beautiful, once you get closer you realise it smells fishy.

The special blooms will be available at their pop-up shop 'Love Stinks' in Ponsonby, Auckland. 

The bouquets come with a charming collection of Valentine’s Day cards which help normalise talking about romance scams, and give people the tips to help look out for and avoid romance scams.

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