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Image of cupid and heartNot everyone using online dating sites is looking for love. Scammers create fake online profiles using photos of other people — even stolen pictures of real military personnel. They profess their love quickly. And they tug at your heartstrings with made-up stories about how they need money — for emergencies, hospital bills, or travel. Why all of the tricks? They’re looking to steal your money.

As if all that isn’t bad enough, romance scammers are now involving their victims in online bank fraud. Here’s how it works: The scammers set up dating profiles to meet potential victims. After they form a “relationship,” they come up with reasons to ask their love interest to set up a new bank account. The scammers transfer stolen money into the new account, and then tell their victims to wire the money out of the country. Victims think they’re just helping out their soulmate, never realizing they’re aiding and abetting a crime.  

Here are some warning signs that an online love interest might be a fake. They ask you to:

  • chat off of the dating site immediately, using personal email, text, or phone
  • wire money using Western Union or Money Gram
  • set up a new bank account

Did you know you can do an image search of your love interest’s photo in your favorite search engine? If you do an image search and the person’s photo appears under several different names, you’re probably dealing with a scammer. And if the person’s online profile disappears a few days after they meet you, that’s another tip-off.

Here’s the real deal: Don’t send money to someone you met online — for any reason. If your online sweetheart asks for money, you can expect it’s a scam.

Unfortunately, online dating scams are all too common. There may be tens of thousands of victims, and only a small fraction report it to the FTC. If this happens to you, please report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

A woman looking at a dating site on her computer.

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Shopping and Donating
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hurt98
September 08, 2020

In reply to by sosad

he was talking to her at the same time he was talking to me
Mae9
November 22, 2020

In reply to by sosad

I have been talking to a guy named Mike Antonio but he says he works for Cheryl corporation is a thriller contractor been talking for about a week and a half since he's a widowed for 4 years has two kids and now it's asking me for money and that he's in Russia on the streets cuz he's trying to get back to London cuz his bank account is dominant and wants me to send him money to get out of Russia he's sick he's 61 now and what's really weird is that he has the same date of birth as mine has anyone talked to him.
Mae9
November 25, 2020

In reply to by Mae9

I meant to say that he is a Drilling Contractor and he even sent me his Shell ID along with his password how I could track him. As he works for shell. Stated his drill pipe broke needed money to get offshore and go to London to activate his bank account. I told him no I didn't have any money and I even told him why do't you carry a business credit card? He didn't answer that question all he told me I was turning my back on him after he loved me some much and that he swore on his late wife's grave and kids life's he was real and not a scammer. I told him no again and he stopped talking to me. I was very close to have sent him money.
CeCe
July 28, 2021

In reply to by Funnyfarm22

I am experiencing the same thing except he hasn't asked for money. Heavy Italian accent but won't speak in italian. He said he was retiring and moving to atlanta and looking for a house but had to sell his first. I thought I couldn't be scammed but apparently we are all susceptable.
CarryA.380
June 27, 2018
I'm now 2nd guessing myself on if Billy is my nightmare. The one who is sending all the threats. I did make another person on IG angry and called her out on the scam she was running to make a quick buck. send 200 get 2000 back in 4-5 hrs. But to get the 2000 you must send her another 156.00 processing fee. RIGHT. shortly after that was when my paypal was taken for $200.00 nice round figure. Paypal sent this money after leaving me a recorded message they suspect fraud. Ok if you suspect fraud why are you sending with out talking to the actual sender. I have gotten my money back. BUT before she would block me I did manage to get her IG name and the 2 emails she was using. As for couple of days she was messaging me and asking if I got her accounts on Paypal blocked. Seems all the fake names she was using they were blocking them from sending and receiving money. So today I will update the Detective with this info as she claimed to be on the East Coast where the phone number and hangouts messages are from...…. Watch out for those ppl as well
FTC Staff
June 27, 2018

In reply to by CarryA.380

If you spot a scam, please report it to the FTC at FTC.gov/Complaint. The information you give will go into a secure database that the FTC and other law enforcement agencies use for investigations.

The comments you put here on the blog don’t go into the law enforcement database.

CarryA.380
June 27, 2018
But this guy is still mad cause I won't send him money and said all his accounts get frozen when he travels. Mine don't unless they I don't respond to a message asking If I made a certain transaction. if I don't respond then they are frozen until I get intouch with said account. Last night after chatting he was wanting to come here to protect me, but guess what he can't buy the ticket. asked me to book the flight and he would repay after he got here. Im no dummy and said told him thanks but that's ok Im not buying the ticket. I have something to protect me on the nightstand.
Wowjustwow
June 27, 2018
I happened upon these comments because I guy I’m talking to from Facebook threw out a red flag or 2. He had joined homesteading singles, introduced himself to the group, everyone says hey and welcome including me. Next thing I know he’s waving at me through IM. I’m surprised because even though I’m not fugly, I still don’t get many hits on social media. Honestly I wasn’t on that forum with high expectations either. Ha ha. anyway I accept this guys IM and after a couple of days chatting he says he thinks he likes me. Great. I was curious about his story because he says he’s a single dad with a 15 year old daughter and 5year old that live with him. He was born in Rome his parents died in a car accident his dad was American and mom was Italian. He was raised by his grandma and moved to the US when he was 19 (immediately I asked if he has citizenship and he says yes). He says he’s a contract engineer And investor. His wife died of cancer 4 years ago. Also happens to have started his FB page less than 4 years ago. Even though he’s Italian with an Italian accent he has a very common American name of David Miller. He currently lives in AZ but visits CA. I’ve been trying to get his middle name because as soon as he contacted me I didn’t mess around. I started background checking him. He told me his children’s names and even sent a picture of his daughter 2xs. He convinced me to message with his daughter on Hangouts. also similar he asked to go to Hangouts app that 1st day. I hesitated because I didn’t know what the hell it was. I had to research it. So I’ve texted both in Hangouts and he and I have spoken through the app but terrible connection so we’ve switched to FB messenger. I’ve tried extract every info I can from him but can’t find him on the web! So the tricky part is he’s said he’s traveled a lot. I asked who cares for the kids and he has a nanny. He wants to retire so he’s doing this one last engineering job in Kuwait on an oil rig. Now mind you he will not FaceTime me and that bothers me. We tried through th hangouts app but it didn’t work. Also gave him my phone # (I can always change it) and he won’t use it. Insists on staying on hangouts or Facebook. Friends helped me look him up and the one did find his name age bday(they all check out) and his deceased wife’s name along with networth(he’s worth millions) but I can’t find him anywhere else and that bothers me. I’ve asked his daughter questions and unless he’s posing as her,all facts check out with her. But reading all y’all comments, I feel that he’s possibly a scammer because of his professed love since the 2nd day! He says after Kuwait he’s coming to get me. We’ll have a beautiful life together, blah blah. I shouldn’t be confused but the positives and the potential negatives are about equal right now. Luckily he hasn’t asked for $or iTunes cards. But now it looks like I should give it a couple of days once he’s on the rig. Lol
Brokenheart805
June 28, 2018

In reply to by Wowjustwow

Hi wowojustwow, Can you describe what he looks like an what his kids look like. I am talking to a guy who also states he is Italian but his mother was American and his dad was Italian both are also deceased. He is also on a contract job but in Nigeria and once he completes his job he is also coming home to get me.
tina marine
May 10, 2020

In reply to by Brokenheart805

hi I have been talking to a guy with similar story says his wife died in a car accident left with a teenage daughter, father italian, mother usa, says he is from Massachusetts and is an orthopaedic surgeon
Aymarn
June 27, 2018
Anyone talk to Richard serving in Syria? Divorced, daughter is dead. Waiting to come home? He has my friend paying $12k to rent a place.
Not a fool!
June 28, 2018
Doctors Without Borders! Mine used this.
Junebug
June 28, 2018
Has anyone talked to a man going by Virgil Reed in Dallas, TX? He supposedly is widowed of 20 years with a grown daughter living in Holland, Netherlands. He immediately left the dating site and wanted to communicate via Hangout. His daughter is also messaging me - calling me "Mom" and now I am also Grandma to her 5 year old daughter. Both father and daughter seem to be working together. They are both quite pushy about Dad wanting true love with words from the daughter not to let them down. Many things do not make sense but I have never encountered people like this before
CarryA.380
June 28, 2018

In reply to by Junebug

HI Junebug, I think Dad may also be daughter. I live in the Dallas area and that name sounds familiar. They get very pushy when you resist. My issue someone has gone to the extreme of threats which are being handled by my local PD. Ive given them hangsout chat and in the process of doing the same for IG. I now have another professing his love for me that is widowed or divorced can't remember. Lives in OKC with his young daughter. following over 200 women of all cultures. His stated the hearts knows what the heart wants. Pictures show radiant heaters along the wall. I asked when his house was built. He told me apx 2004. I questioned the heaters as being in RE you don't see houses with those unless it's older and restored and most rehabbers are moving that. Today he says "my love I just can't stop thinking about you and I don't know why" (gag) I know why you want something from and it's not going to happen. The one I have been talking with for over a month is now down to only $200 in iTunes cards. When I told him you can't use those for minutes and he came back telling me that he knows how to program them to get the minutes. Again I told him NO.. Told him I guess this is the end of us talking etc. He came back with that is up to you and I sent LOL. I am going to take the advice of the Det. and stick to only doing and dealing with Business contacts and promoting my business on FB, Twitter and IG. It's safer and I almost let this stuff take my strength and power a way.
Brokenheart805
June 28, 2018

In reply to by CarryA.380

Hi CarryA.380, Can you describe what the guy you are talking to looks like the one with the daughter. The guy I am talking to also calls me my love and very charming but like you say very pushy.
Annoyed
June 28, 2018
Anyone know of a Evan or David Johnson? Claiming to be in the airforce, has a son, talks on hangout. I found an instagram page with several pictures and videos claiming to be David Johnson but found a Facebook page with the name Evan Johnson.
Star1946
June 29, 2018
I thought all was legit..but I'm now concerned. He says hes a contractor with off shore. oil rig..His phone number is from Santa Maria, Calif. His name is Donald Arsenault. Said was born in Italy..but in US since 5 years old. Has a 13 yr old daughter..wife of 13 years died in childbirth. He got my name on Facebook..but when asked to be a friend..I refused for months..finally decided to as looked on Facebook to see what he was like....it said he was an off ahore contractor. Soon after..he took his profile off. I sent $25,000 2 months ago as said short cash for more pipes...now saying he didnt know he has $58,000 needed for taxes before contract ends ..then will pay me the total I loan him. I am so ddistressed. I am so embarrassed to say I fell in Love...PLEASE CAN ANYONE HELP ME...Does anyone know this Donald Arsenault. He said ice sold his home and all to get this yeasr long contract.. Tears overflowing
Broken
February 19, 2020

In reply to by Star1946

I have spoken to someone sane story but using name of Walter Kleitz
Not a banker
July 28, 2021

In reply to by Broken

I am talking with Walter too. He is from California, works on a rig, needs money for equipment, seems sincere, and very romantic. Not sure if to believe him or not, been scammed by a couple of guys of $10,000.
Michael
June 28, 2018
I am currently talking to a lady who lived in Florida and then moved with her grandpa to Michigan. She claims she loves me and I have pictures of her and her daughter and her address but now she claims she needs my credit card information so that she can have her lawyer deposit funds into the account because she claims she is worth 50 million dollars but needs help claiming it. I also have her lawyers number and address so I am conflicted.
FTC Staff
June 29, 2018

In reply to by Michael

If you give someone your credit card number, they can make charges to your account - even if they say they're going to make a deposit.

Also, some scammers promise to pay off credit card balances, and at first they make a payment. Then, they ask their new friend to send a cash advance from the "paid off" credit card account. Unfortunately, after the person sends a cash advance, the scammer reverses the credit card pay-off. In the end, the victim's credit card is not paid off, and he or she has a new  charge for the cash advance.

Deborah68
June 29, 2018

In reply to by Michael

Hi Michael, I have a similar experience. The person I am talking to wants me to give him access to my credit cards so he can pay them off. I would then get cash advance to have a briefcase delivered to me that will contain $20,000 for his hospital bill. Whst ever you do don't give out your credit or banking information. I never gave this man my credit card information. He was very very angry but you have to protect yourself.
Concerned
June 28, 2018
Anyone know Michael Cooper, says he is originally from Greece but his accent does not match. He just left for month long project in Alaska. When I expressed doubt, he sent picture of boarding pass which looked similar to one that I found online. No requests for money but I'm concerned something's not on the level.
Li
June 29, 2018
from my experiences and observation..seems all scammer use numbers behind their name on email address.. for example : lucky007@ gmail.com or charlesowen869 @gmail.com..These numbers maybe some kind of their operation codes.
budafly68
June 29, 2018
Some guy named James Miller requested me on Instagram saying he's a marine engineer out of the United Nations, lives in Los Angeles, he's already saying he's seeking a wife but wants to see if we are compatible. He hasn't asked me for money or anything but reading some of the stories here I think I will block him to be safe.
deerintheheadlights
June 29, 2018
omg... i think i have the same guy.. i am seeing a pattern here. same as what this guy is doing to me now. *moneygram *walmart *opening a new bank account *wire transfers *love bombs (with a car, a house, a RING??) *promises uuurrggghh!!
Babette
June 29, 2018
I have a similar Adventure, he was shipping out to Syria with a company that was hired by the Militaryto help because of the unrest. Well I met him before he left, so within 8 hrs he was from NY in Syria good timing. So iphe was totally in love Inwas to be his Sister his Mother and his Wife, he was from the Picture, we all know it wasn’t the red blooded American because when he called he had an Accent which came from becaause he was born in Spain. Oh he sounded like Antonio Bandersa, and he was in love with me, and after a few day he hummed around until I ask what is it, oh can I please be his wife, I thing in less then a week. Well we went along and I ask if it was possible to meet him when they got back in August, we’ll afew Days later he called and said that he was flying out to be with me. And the tithe three month he has left he can pay the company to let him get out of his contract, well I got the get the iTunes for 200. I asked him why, well for whatever, I got only a 50 $ ok. So I get a call the the Chinese Police got him at the Border because he didn’t have the correct paper work. Now mind you , Syria Is llike surrounded by Turkey a far way from China like about 3000 Miles. Ok well I’m sorry can’t do that. Then he said he being jailed, had somebody call me tpsaying that this was the Chinese police and I need to send 4700.00 to get to pay for the papers. I ask them lot let me talk to him well they couldn’t do that. So he called crying that he is cold and. Outdoor I please send the money. I told no way. And have a good live in.china and he should learn the languages.
Babette
June 29, 2018
I have another one , he is on a Rig. I met him on Instagram , he didn’t know how he coiuld pass such beautiful person like me. Well as it goes in a few days I got the best and nicest love letter, some rhymed some didn’t. I recognized some from a book. Oh we where somin love and missed each other. Texted hrs at a time, when I got after a few weeks ok how can we be so much in love as couples tharpts been together month and years, well I ask for an address why, I don’t know pictures dumm too. But I got an ID Card from the Exxon company and his name Kelvin Smith the picture welding Manager, I thought hey that is real. Knowing in the back of my mind being from upNoryh and having an Louisiana drawl. He didn’t ask for anything wehere two happy people going to get together as soon as he gets vacation . Well give me a time span, well he couldn’t. So after all that therecwhere little sign very small. Mostly on the texting oh but he was good. Well today I get the text he could pay of the company to get an early out if he pays them 2000,00 , ok that’s when I blew my stack. And he tried to put it on me that I don’t mean all the love because I don’t help him so he c an be in my arms and we will be together forever. Oh well , he is not letting loose that quick, but I never seen anybody get blood out of a turnip yet, ladies, when they call you Wife in the first few weeks. Run as fast as you can . Or be like me, wishing he would Change hoping, but knowing better. O
simone
June 29, 2018
I know I'm being scammed but keep talking to Murphy Miller, widowed (wife passed of cancer) has daughter 16, named Kathy. Fell in love immediately, very smooth, says he wants to marry me and is buying us a home in Miami. Trying to con the conner, he wants security boxes sent to me from UK, claims he cannot get to them, he says he's an engineer working a contract in LA but from New Zealand with heavy Spanish accent. I want to turn him in, I want to stop him from doing this to others, Any Advice PLEASE?!?!?
Unsure48
June 30, 2018
Just want to know if the name FrankMike head surgeon in Syria rings a bell with anyone. He's scared to death and wants out. Asked me to contact to the UN and tell them we are supposed to get married so he can be released immediately. His son is in boarding school in Atlanta. His wife died in child birth and his parents died in a car accident when he was in college. Very good looking and claims he only wants to be with me. Contacted me through Instagram.
LCM
September 06, 2018

In reply to by Unsure48

This guy by the name of Miller Smith Jay sent me a friend request via Facebook, I accepted the request. Here's his story "His wife passed away some years ago, has a 14 year old son named Leo who's in boarding school in the UK. He claims to be a doctor in the army currently stationed at Damacus, Syria He asked me to go to "HANGOUTS " to chat with him. I started chatting with him around August 1st, he claims I'm his soulmate, wants to marry me, texts a lot of sweet words that would make your heart melt. He has asked for ITUNE gift cards in the amounts of $200, $100, $50 and finally $25. I got him one for $25, and told him not to ask me for money or anymore ITUNE gift cards. Now he wants me to send an email to United Nations Bank using this email address Bankamericacharlotte1990 @gmail. com Stating I am his wife and beneficiary of his fund and what can I do get my husband funds. I believe he's a scammer. How can you want to marry someone you have never met in person. I will block him.
Stupidon
February 02, 2019

In reply to by Unsure48

Yep ..but called himself mark William's n had a daught that needed help.. he was in the UN in Iraq a doctor got me for 16000
Worried Neice
June 30, 2018
My aunt has been talking to a guy by the name of Dwayne White or Potter & so far she has send him $5600! I am so worried because she is not in her right state of mind & she won't listen to anyone that he's a scammer! He's supposed to be a sergeant in the army with no family & him mother just died...I'm trying to show my aunt proof that he is not who he says he is but I haven't had solid evidence yet! Someone Please Help!!!
FTC Staff
July 05, 2018

In reply to by Worried Neice

You could show your aunt this article from the Army Criminal Investigation Command about scammers who pretend to be soldiers. The first warning is: Don't send money!

The Army warning lists certain claims the fake soldiers will make, and tells you what is really true for soldiers.

The Army article also has links to fake documents the scammers use.

Granny
June 30, 2018
I am also chatting with a guy in Turkey, his name is Jackson Mcgrew. He is on a oil rig in the Turkey's dessert too. He gave me his bank account specifications to login. He wants me to transfer money to another account. I am really wundering if this is a scammer. Does this sounds familair to anyone?
FTC Staff
July 02, 2018

In reply to by Granny

Some scammers use people to help them transfer stolen money. They don't reveal that the money is stolen - they tell a story to cover up what they are doing. They meet someone on line and ask their new sweetheart to use her own account or to make transfers.

If you do this for a scammer, your name is on the bank account and on the money transfer forms. If you get involved with one of these schemes, you could lose money and personal information, and you could get into legal trouble.

gameover007
June 30, 2018
Some guy named Brian L Andreas, single/divorced man, no children, saying his wife of 25 years cheated on him with his best friend, says has no family, about 58 claiming to be doing a 8 week job in Turkey. He said he was living in San Fransisco since november 2017, but lived in Texas before and is an architect and tendered for work. Flew off to Turkey. On arriving in Turkey he said he would be preparing the work site while he was waiting for his materials from China. First he needs extra money to pay insurance and he is short of funds to get them to Turkey and is not able to complete his assignment, then calls asking for money to pay customs to release his materials and the latest thing is that he needs $ 5 500 for transport from customs to the site for the materials. Has anyone else been asked the same thing, get calls on hangout,get generic poems, telling how much he loves them, that they are his wife, his one and only. the list goes on. He was supposed to have gone back to USA but is still in Turkey waiting to be paid then he can or will pay you back, so he is Currently in Istanbul, Turkey. Please, please respond if anyone has anything to add about this man.
zoey
July 26, 2018

In reply to by gameover007

gameover007, this is the same person the a Dee44 is referring to in July and yourself, everyone needs to join together and get this man caught. is there no way that this can be done. BRIAN ANDREAS LUKAS 60 years of age. says he is an architect... same story, i wonder if everyone has the same email address and pictures of him?
Dee64
August 16, 2018

In reply to by gameover007

I've been talking to the same guy since March except he has asked for much larger dollar amounts than what you're reporting. Said he was living in Westwood La before going off to Turkey but is still in Turkey. He's pretty good at crying as well.
Donna lee
July 01, 2018
Any one know robert paheco or bauer or alot of alias name and kelvin benson jones they used me
Lolo
July 01, 2018
Has anyone heard of a guy name James Patrick Baker. He claims he's in Afghanistan emailed me from POF Been talking to him for almost a month now after 3 days he says he loves me and then a week later he asks me to send a money. When I told him no we talked for another week I haven't heard from him in 2 days now
Kiki
April 25, 2020

In reply to by Lolo

I am dealing with a man right now using same name. He has me light into his bank account yesterday to do an instant transfer to his Daughter's "nanny ". I was worried but when I logged in had his photo plus when I would need a code it would send to email and he would text it to me. Which got me in. He couldn't get an internet connected at the time. The phone service was very weak at the time. He had a very large balance I felt maybe I was being groomed but I played along. The transaction failed at the end because the final transaction code he sent didn't work. Today he is asking me to send this woman money and he will pay me back. Not happening I do have photos if you could somehow compare
Pebbles
July 01, 2018
I had very similar incidents on Words with Friends. One guy named Patrick Woods had a very attractive photo of him with a young daughter (wish I knew about the photo lookup). Said his wife died of cancer and he has two daughters 19 and 6 years old. Works on an oil rig and is currently in Sweden. His oldest daughter goes to school in Canada and hasn't eaten for days because he doesn't have money to send. Asked me to send money through Western Union to her "friend" in Toronto, even though he told me she went to school elsewhere in Canada. I guess he forgot that part. When I saw that the wanted it to go to a friend, I balked and then told him I couldn't do it. Blocked his number. I have also been contacted by other men through chat who all seem to be petrochemical or drilling engineers with poor English grammar. Another user, James Baldwin, was very aggressive. Wanted me to go to hangout right away. Told him I was too busy to chat (wasn't really, just got a bad vibe). He insisted on knowing exactly when I would be free to chat, in how many hours would my chores be done. I ended games with him. He tried starting a new game and I have now blocked him. Another Have since blocked all of them. Will always ask at the start if they a. work on an oil rig b. have kids or c. have a wife/child that died of cancer or in a car accident. Glad I trusted my gut and have now seen that this scam is prevalent. Thankful I wasn't taken in.
Wilma
December 31, 2018

In reply to by Pebbles

I got pretty much the same story from Patrick Woods. His oldest daughter is in school in Canada and the youngest daughter in with a Nanny. He told me his oldest daughter was 25 and then he forgot and all of the sudden she is 20. He wants money to eat because he is now stuck in Nigeria. He promises to pay back double. Haha. He doesn't remember his own lies. He has an African accent. Beware of this person ladies.
Chili
July 01, 2018
Stay away from a scammer calling himself Chris McCollins states he is a Jamican was born in US. He claimed to own EAD construction company. He was on POF saying he was a contractor living in Laurel, Maryland. He had several pizzas, drinks, flowers and clothes delivered to a place of business (not mines). He immediately start talking about getting married and was calling me his wife and how God ordained this union and planned to come see me soon but at the last minute received a multimillion dollar contract to build s shopping mall. He stated his meeting was in New York then Germany lastly to Ukraine. While in Ukraine he claims to have struck Gold in small quantities that added up to being close to a million dollars but was waiting for special papers to come from Kiev. After about a week later he calls me saying that he was cleared to have gold but he had to pay taxes to government of $78,000. Of course, he swapped his card and it didn’t go through- LOL! he asked if I could just send him $6,000 but he needed: bank name, my name on card, account number, exp. date, 3 digit on back of card, my online user name, PW, secure question and answer. He asked for clothes and shoes to be sent;then iPhone 10 so he could give to the new foreman and now has asked for $6,000. This fool told me he would payoff my credit card debit but I need to tex him all of my personal information. This one was a Hoot. He was really pissed at me when I asked for his information and Refused to give up my personal information. He started telling me what was wrong with me and ALL black women. BLOCKED
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