A New Zealand woman’s alleged loss of nearly $800,000 to an online romance scam is reinforcing warnings in Tonga about the growing threat of social media fraud.
The woman sent money, vouchers, cryptocurrency and bank transfers over several years to a man she met online who allegedly posed as a retired American general but is now believed to have been fake.
New Zealand Police say the case came to light last week when the woman approached Dunedin’s central police station seeking advice about a document she had received.
According to Sergeant Matthew Lee, the woman had been communicating over several years with a man she met online who claimed to be a retired American general.
Police say the victim was persuaded to send large sums of money through various means, including bank transfers, gift vouchers, and cryptocurrency payments.
Authorities believe the case highlights the increasing sophistication of online romance scams, where fraudsters create convincing identities to build trust before manipulating victims into providing financial support.
The case is particularly relevant to Tonga, where officials have already raised concerns about similar schemes targeting vulnerable individuals through social media platforms.
Tonga Warns of Scams
It comes after repeated warnings to Tongan crypto traders and those engaging with pyramid-style promotions online, as well as the recent collapse of the BG Wealth Sharing scheme, which left many Tongan participants facing losses.
In April 2026, the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) issued a nationwide warning about a rise in romance scams, cautioning that fraudsters often create fake profiles to establish emotional connections before requesting money or financial details.
“These scams typically involve building a relationship over time,” the NRBT said, warning that victims are often persuaded to believe they are supporting a partner in financial distress or assisting with supposed official duties.
Police and financial authorities advise several key warning signs, including:
- requests for money, vouchers, or cryptocurrency
- claims of urgent emergencies or restricted access to funds
- refusal or inability to meet in person or verify identity
- inconsistencies in personal stories or background
Authorities in both New Zealand and Tonga are encouraging anyone who may be affected to come forward and seek help, noting that many victims may feel reluctant to report due to embarrassment or fear.
