An 80-year-old Perth grandfather has lost his family home and up to $300,000 in life savings after falling victim to a romance scam that played out over three years — and he is now speaking out in the hope of sparing others from the same devastating fate.
Lyle Lambie was left with nothing but heartbreak as his belongings were packed up and removed from the home he had lived in for more than two decades, after the property was repossessed by his bank.
"Devastated. Absolutely devastated," Lambie said.
How the Perth romance scam unfolded
Lambie said he first encountered the woman on Facebook, believing the connection to be genuine. The scammer quickly told him she was "madly in love" with him, drawing him into what felt like a real relationship.
Before long, the requests for money began. The woman claimed on multiple occasions to be hospitalised and in need of financial help. Lambie said he paid for her airfare from the United States to Australia, covered the cost of passports, and handed over money through prepaid gift cards — expenses that were, in every case, part of the con.
"A few times she said she was in hospital and needed help," he said. "I paid [for an] airfare from America to Australia and paid for passports and everything else and it was just never-ending."
The deception continued for three full years, during which time the scammer extracted as much as $300,000 from the retired grandfather — ultimately costing him his home.
Experts warn romance scams are increasingly sophisticated
Consumer Protection spokesman John McMaster said the tactics used against Lambie are part of a deeply troubling and growing trend, with scammers deliberately engineering secrecy to keep their victims isolated.
"Scammers will rely upon secrecy so the most important thing is to talk to people you trust about what you're experiencing and also to never send money," McMaster said.
Authorities warn that online romance scams can be extraordinarily convincing, with perpetrators investing significant time in building emotional bonds before making financial demands. By the time victims realise what has happened, the financial damage is often irreversible.
If you are concerned about the security of your personal information or property at home, this guide to home security may be worth reading.
Lambie speaks out to protect others
Despite the enormous personal cost, Lambie has chosen to share his story publicly rather than suffer in silence — a decision he hopes will prevent even one other person from going through the same ordeal.
"Just be fair and weary and stay off in his scammers," he said. "It's online because they're out to get everything out of you as much as they can."
His warning is a stark reminder that romance scams do not discriminate by age or background. Anyone seeking connection online can be targeted, and the financial and emotional consequences can be utterly life-changing.
If you believe you or someone you know has been targeted by a scam, contact your bank immediately and report the incident to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's Scamwatch service.
