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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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Onechance22
February 20, 2017

In reply to by jazzyjess1261

What if you have done a video chat with him and his face matches the pictures he says he is a business man but his customer can't send his money direct to him so he needs you to open a Bank account I feel this may be fraud
FTC Staff
February 21, 2017

In reply to by Onechance22

If a scammer wants to send stolen money, he looks for someone to do the dirty work.

Some scammers develop online relationships and ask their new sweetheart to open an account, or accept a deposit and transfer funds for them.  He will make up a story, and send you instructions about transferring money.

If you get involved with one of these schemes, you could lose money and personal information, and you could get into legal trouble.

Rosie
April 04, 2017

In reply to by jazzyjess1261

Please tell me, I met Ayite Mawuelom Alognon on facebook and in person in Gambia, we learnt a lot about each other, we married, I returned to sell up in the UK but he then didn't want anything more to do with me. I have the marriage certificate so why would you marry and then dump them. He didn't get any money out of this at all.
Angels
April 11, 2017

In reply to by Rosie

I have been told that after they married they will sue you for alimony - spousal support that is and you will have to send him money. I don't know how that goes but I have heard of a couple of people with that problem.
jcg
April 09, 2017

In reply to by jazzyjess1261

Hello, I've been chatting with two men now. Both claim to be in the USArmy. One say's he's in Aphganistan, the other in Syria. Both through Facebook. The 1st one is on Gmail. The recent one is on Facebook- messenger. They both asked for money, however I need your help. I'm currently speaking to both and can provide details. For example...do these individuals use Brinks, or other Airport security documents?
Xyralynn
June 11, 2020

In reply to by jcg

No, absolutely not. As a veteran, and with current friends is the military, I can tell you that most military men offer to help YOU if anything, not the other way around. Pretty much ANY document can be forged or faked, and no, military personnel would NOT be using them. It’s not a valid form of ID at all, and with their military status, you could press for them to show you their orders going to their location oversees, their military ID, and American drivers license, along with a selfie. Anyone would feel you’re over-stepping your bounds, but if the money is that desperately needed, they’re going to meet your demands. I meet tons of military personnel that break regulations (with the few exceptions of intelligence personnel because of their top-secret clearance). With intelligence personnel, they need to be guarded, but THEY can’t afford to be accused of being a scammer, so they wouldn’t be leveraging a romantic interest for their financial troubles (which they really shouldn’t have any save for a lack of living a more fun life, even with child support).
Tonychavez9300
May 18, 2017

In reply to by jazzyjess1261

That sux
sweet&sassy
July 22, 2017

In reply to by jazzyjess1261

I have a friend that just met a guy on POF a few weeks ago. He's already sent her flowers and is telling her he wants to marry her but they are yet to meet. Last weekend he was in NY and conveniently this weekend he's gone to Australia for two weeks. He removed his profile from the site a few days after meeting her and has even asked for her password to remove her profile. All of his pictures look like professional pics and it all seems too good to be true (to me) but she's ready to get married and have babies tomorrow. I hope he's on the up and up but just seems fishy!!
Trouble
April 18, 2020

In reply to by jazzyjess1261

Hello myself I have fell for a Nigerian man. We talk every day. I have his address where he worked and looked him up on the computer. Yes he has me for money. Is he real?
madrene
October 26, 2020

In reply to by jazzyjess1261

I was on Facebook minding my own business when someone popped on screen with his photo and said hello. How did he get there without being invited. My son says I had it set for public access instead of friends only. I told him to tell me who he was and what did he wanted. I don't know you or anything. tell me what you want. He started talking said he had a 15 yr old daughter, who looked very sweet. Said he was a widower, and wanted to get to know me. He hasn't heard my voice, talked on phone, just saw my picture on Facebook and said I looked beautiful. Also said he was a Christian, didn't smoke or drink. his picture looked like it had been taken in a hotel lobby. He had a very nice smile, but was a very smooth talker. He said he loved me and called me beautiful chance he got. He looked like 60 yrs old and I told him I was 80, people say I look 60. finally he said he was 68, it seemed like he was in a great rush. read me poetry trying to lure me. I talked to my two granddaughters, my son, and a good friend I have known for 50 years they all told me to drop him like a hot potatoe. He is dangerous. So I did. He is very persistent. told him not to call me, email, or visit on my facebook. I did everything I thought I could to block him. Of course it didn't work. He was on email again with a new picture. He did say that he worked 5 days a wk, M-F. So today why wasn't he working. His name is Andy Clinton. Im glad I didn't give him my address or phone number yet.
Kelli
November 08, 2020

In reply to by jazzyjess1261

I also feel this is a common trait . The do it to try and manipulate our emotions and then tell us to calm down /control tactic. They start feeling desperate and call us stupid or belittle us in some way. I have a hard time not calling it as I see it when I feel that I am seeing red flags...idk why just to lie to me more?!? No thanks...my current scammer isn't a love interest but exact same behavioral demeanors. He is still trying to hang in there and act nonchalant I feel as to cause me to second guess my own intuition...I have been like a magnet for these people and I am soooo tired of them!
BarbaraG69
March 05, 2021

In reply to by jazzyjess1261

Nicely put. I have a friend who continues to get suckered in by scammers because she is lonely. I am beyond frustrated with her ignorance and have lost my patience with the whole deal. This is a very nice way to tell them the truth. Thank you.
tcrice67
February 03, 2016

In reply to by netta328

I am curious if you have a picture of this person, I am talking to guy claiming to be from UT but is on business in Australia as well and am wondering if same person
Winnie001
January 25, 2018

In reply to by Mel88

I have been talking to a person Nick Juarez in Nigeria.could be the same person.
MGreen
February 05, 2020

In reply to by Winnie001

I knew a Nick Juarez from Houston Texas who was a Sargeant in the military. He has disappeared and I need to find him. He had two kids. He was over on a top secret mission!
Lynnie
March 03, 2016

In reply to by tcrice67

Same here but says he's in Malaysia needing money for A shipment to get through customs. He even sent Me a customs tax form etc via e-mail. I know he's fake It's very evident. Wish I could share a pic on here.

mendez27
June 08, 2016

In reply to by Lynnie

i meet some guy he had his daughter and son email that he was working in Maylasia name is George Smith.. he told me he lived in AZ but he was going Maylasia for work. That He need me to send Laptop Because His broke..And That he couldn't get any money for air fair and now that he need money pay the taxes
bg23
July 20, 2016

In reply to by mendez27

Mendez27:do you have a picture of this george smith .. cause my mom has been talking to a george smith that says he is from the army and he is in dubai and he separated from his wife and he told my mom he was 40.:( i dont want my mom to be heart broken cause it sucks...he also gave my mom an email that says soldiers-off-duty.gov@consultant.___ and he told her that if she needed to contact him to email him there.
ctressler
July 20, 2016

In reply to by bg23

If you meet someone online and they ask you to send money or gifts, that's a sign they might be trying to scam you. The US military warns people about scammers who pretend to be soldiers.

Scammers tell many different stories to try and sound legitimate. They might say they're in the military, or travelling for business, or have kids who need financial help. They ask for money, or gifts, and promise they'll see you soon. If you send money or gifts to someone you never met in person, you probably can't get them back.

 

Don't use your…
September 08, 2016

In reply to by Lynnie

What is his name? As I'm dealing with a guy also who is supposed to be from London but just got a contract in Malaysia and is needing money for the custom.His name is Alexander Robert.
Can't believe …
September 24, 2016

In reply to by Don't use your…

Is he an Engineer for Premier Oil & Gas and his wife died about 2 years ago ? OMG He didn't ask me for money but pledged his love for me every single day.
Carolsue1960
October 28, 2016

In reply to by Can't believe …

Do not send money I am out 219k to a scammer I am pretty sure working as a contractors trying to collect his 1,560,000.0 chech his name he is going by is andrew Markus and other names involved luke yin sung as a bank branch manager another name is lin lu hu or Morgan Mathews beware never send money to anyone I met Andrew on dating website. Would not meet me before he went did the set up a bank account and many other things but as I sit now all my savings is gone and I am in debt
Don't use your…
November 03, 2016

In reply to by Carolsue1960

Im in the same situation. Pretty sure I have been scammed.mine is also a contractor stuck on a ship and can't leave until he pays for flight and freight charges. His name is Ronald reaves. Even sent me a picture of his contract award and his cheque.
Christine
December 29, 2016

In reply to by Don't use your…

Was Alexander from Norway but brought up in England, parents died early, no siblings, he is widowed, Engineer with oil contract in South Africa? The person I have been talking to is Ronald Alexander, met on Facebook.
Life101
July 04, 2018

In reply to by Don't use your…

I met Alex Fleming on zoosk. We were chatting for a month when he got a bid to work in Cape Town as a engineer. Soon after he got there didn’t have his business license. Then, he got called and retained at customs because they didn’t properly do the shipping papers for his equipment sent down for the job. He owed money. Then when the job was over he was held in customs because he bought diamonds and the Kimberly document wasn’t valid to leAve the country. They retained him for over a year until it was paid up.He made up all of it. He was such a good actor, I am most angry at myself for wanting to believe him but would fight with him all the time and he would deny the truth. I was going through a divorce. I was so vulnerable. I don’t want anyone else to go through this nightmare. He said he is from Belfast, Ireland. Wife died. His daughter and mother in law were living with nanny in Belfast. Even spoke to them or whoever they really are. I was so blind. Love can be like an addiction. The attention I got from him was unreal no pun attended. Stay safe, alert and strong. God bless you. The lesson I needed to learn was love yourself first.
Bewildered
July 26, 2018

In reply to by Life101

I also have been involved with Alex Fleming since December of last year. He had to go to Washington for a seminar the 1st week of January and also meet with a prospective boss for a job. He won both contracts but took the one in Cape Town because it was only for 6 months & didn't want to be away from me longer than that. Once he arrived in Cape Town, he said 2 of the 6 pieces of luggage he brought were stolen somewhere between London & Cape Town. They contained his 2 new Apple phones, Apple computer, work tools and credit cards. He is an EXCELLENT METHOD ACTOR!!! He talked me into purchasing Apple phones for him (buy one get one free) against my better judgment. He kept wearing me down by saying I was the only person he could count on....blah, blah, blah. Next he tried getting me to have money put money in my account and send it to another person. My bank put a stop to that REAL fast...I just wanted it out of my account. Then he said he needed money to send to his mother in law to take care of his daughter. He was supposed to leave a month ago but supposedly there was a workplace accident and he was injured and had to be hospitalized. He even sent a picture of him in a hospital bed. Then he said he needed $1385 to pay the balance of his hospital bill before they would let him leave the country. The final straw was when he supposedly called from the airport getting ready to go through Customs. At 2 am their time, he calls and says he is being detained because he had 10 diamonds on him but no certificate for them and needed $5,000 for it. I told him good luck. This man was talking about us going to Sarasota, Florida to look at houses and he was going to buy one with the $1m bonus for getting his part of the job done within 6 months. He was also talking about getting married...he said he had even written his vows. The last time I spoke with him 3 days ago & he asked if I would wait for him...WOMEN EVERYWHERE, PLEASE, PLEASE DONT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE I DID. P.S.. Life101..If Alex sent you a picture, I would like to compare. He sent me 1 of his deceased father, his "daughter" and 4 of himself. Did had tell you his daughter's name?
Clean up Africa!
March 04, 2016

In reply to by tcrice67

You and every other victim are dealing with the fraudulent governments of Nigeria, ECOWAS Economic Communities of West Africa and South Africa. They are the rich "entrepreneurs/traders" and mainly the Igbo from Nigeria. Don't also be deceived by such as "Italian/American/British" accents because these SOB's are from the rich royal families/kingdoms in Nigeria that send their brats to the best universities in the US and UK to become scamming doctors, lawyers, engineers etc. They are greedy filth living overseas in expensive properties, cars etc and huge bank accounts
Latouya boone
March 14, 2016

In reply to by Clean up Africa!

I was scam by this new Yorker to he was a romantic he spoke every word that was kind to me he respectfully talk to me over Five months in states he was a enterpuer in treated me that he was taking me to court after he scame me he place money in a banking account in then he scam me he states he was a widower in he has a daughter she was a 16invade was living with family in how he wanted to come in live in my state and have a life with me women don't be decieve!
Same Here
July 05, 2016

In reply to by Latouya boone

Hi. I having been talking to a guy who says he is from New York (Long Island) and he is on a business trip in Turkey. I just found I out from the bank that the money he transferred was fraud. He has a daughter who is 14 now. She left me a message to thank me for the Itunes gift card. I fell for him and he was a sweet talker. There was always something wrong after the first month. His business needed a new piece for his drilling machine, hospital stays and not having money for food. I feel ashamed and I feel like a fool. I saw the signs and somehow he promised it will be fixed. He says he is French and has an accent. He told me his wife died from cancer. I texted with his daughter or God knows who fro months until her phone broke. That's so funny. Once I got a call from the bank I texted him and told him never to contact me again and I blocked and deleted all of his information. I am wondering if anyone else had a similar experience talking to this scammer. My family knew and told me to stay away;but I didn't want to believe it. I feel relieved it's over and hurt and sad by this gruesome experience. I would like to communicate with anyone with this similar experience. I believe nothing he told me was true.
Kansas
August 17, 2016

In reply to by Same Here

Sounds like mine.. three days in, he supposedly lived near me, moved here from Texas 4 years ago, is 58 and an engineer. Had a wife named Jane who passed away, a son John (19) and daughter Marcella (23). He is using the name James Rollings. But when I do a search on him, or his company, or any of these names, I find nothing. I even pulled a report on him and couldn't find strong evidence, so Spidey senses are going off. I've insisted we need to meet, but magically, he's working overseas as well in Turkey and will be coming home in 2 weeks. Told him great, when he's back in the states, we'll meet up, but until then, not doing anything more. Wish he was real, but oh well, the dude got nothing from me except my real name, and I'm putting lifelock all over that now... Daters beware.
Ms MD
September 26, 2017

In reply to by Same Here

Sounds like the same one I have been talking to ,but I didn't send him the iTunes ca re he wanted and I blocked him ,he sent lots of pictures and love poems after only talking for two days , he claimed to have a six year old daughter and he's from turkey , has his own oil company, Goes by the name Aron Dawid
GotMe2016
March 22, 2016

In reply to by tcrice67

I started talking to a Man who sent me a friend request on Facebook. I called him out immediately and he sent me a copy of "his" passport. We continued to communicate via Facebook , emails and phone. After a month of talking it happened. He was a Maritime Security expert pulling into port and this was his last mission , flew to Port of Cyprus which he has called me from a Cyprus number said he was being detained due to a large sum of money(client paid in cash) and a firearm he used for his job. He stated he was from the UK and had even called me from a number listed in the UK. I sent him money and he then asked for a larger amount , which some how I've managed to resist sending. His name was Axel Gate, anyone heard of him. I can't find any of his pics on the internet but have managed to locate his email address with limited info...            . I have been in contact with "his attorney" via email.He has went to great legnths to carry this out. A website for the attorney and for Axels business. Part of me still wants to believe.

FTC Staff
March 22, 2016

In reply to by GotMe2016

The situation you describe sounds like a romance scam:

  • someone you don't know contacts you out of the blue
  • he asks to be your friend
  • he claims to work overseas and to be in several different countries
  • he wants you to send money

If you send more money, you probably won't get it back. Scammers usually ask you to send money by a wire transfer or bank transfer, because the transfer happens quickly.

dumbat47
May 26, 2016

In reply to by GotMe2016

Guy on plenty of fish, using name George Willy except george is spelled incorrectly.... He set it up from beginning, he was trying for a big contract, day we were going to meet, he had to pack because he was leaving in 2 days time to go to Cyprus.... His daughter lives with family in New York/George is supposedly Dutch... This guy is calling me from a local number... He has a health condition which will require a special medical flight home...$6000. But he only needs $1500. I have called him a liar, I have told him GOD may strike him for swearing he will pay me back. I even asked him how long was he going to continue this farce ? Today I shall tell him I will loan him the money. So, I will begin recon on this house to figure out, just how they are involved. I have an ear for accents and dialects This person is Nigerian. So whomever is writing responses from the FTC on this site, better contact me before I get to these people.......

Same Here
July 08, 2016

In reply to by GotMe2016

The guy I was talking to is also located in Cyprus or near Cyprus. The number he called me from originally was New York and then business took him to Turkey. I am wondering if he is the same person using a different name. Is he bald, blue eyes and has a possible french accent. He sent me pictures of him wearing a cross. I also got a picture of him and his daughter. I would like to communicate with you because I think we might have the same guy. From what I'm reading regarding scammers they change some information out and are even able to get overseas phone numbers. I also feel the same way, he is still denying the truth and parts of me still wants to believe he is telling the truth. However, all the red flags are there. I asked to see a copy of his U.S. passport he did not respond. I told him that this is another sign that he is a scammer. I don't know if we are allowed to talk to each other via email or phone. I will hopefully, get the response via this comment if we can communicate if it is O.K. with you. Take care.
sebot
April 08, 2016

In reply to by tcrice67

I was talking to a guy for the last 45 days, goes by the name Chris Morgan. Says his daughter is in the hospital and needs surgery right away. He has asked me for $10,000, then $5,000 then said his secretary came up with $3,500 and all he need now was $1,500.00. He has sent me pics of himself and his 2 children, several times.
Baby Girl
July 28, 2016

In reply to by sebot

I would like to know if he has a daughter and son. The guy that I have been talking to in the last 4 months has tattoo on one of his arms saying Daddy loves you Taylor his son's name is Blayne tattooed on the other arm, a tattoo above his belly button and the name Jenni tattooed on his right rib cage. Please contact me at . Just to see if it's the same guy. Do u have any pics?
Roxie
April 09, 2016

In reply to by tcrice67

I think I have the same friend. I know he is a scammer as I've done much research on him. Says he is from Utah. Traveling now to Malaysia on business. I'm just waiting on the "send me money" request. I did a image identity search and that came up as someone else and when I checked his fb page, there was a comment about his photos were being used by someone else. The person who I'm talking to goes by Robert L Neufeld. I have 3 phone numbers he gave me. Claims he lives in Salt Lake City. Has a 8 year old daughter. Has sent me pics of him and daughter, but they are pics of the person and daughter whose pics were stolen. Do you think this may be the same person?
Roxie
April 20, 2016

In reply to by Roxie

Update on Neufeld. This was very interesting. When I would not give him money, he closed his FB account. I have been watching for him to come on as a new person and sure enough, yesterday, he started building a account. He is now, Neufeld Robert and is the CEO of Philanthropy. Guess what, that is what I am. He is raising money for the Indonesian Red Cross. Today that has changed and he is raising money for Asia, Manchester and Jamaica. I'm amazed at how many identities this man has, however, most of them have the same city, state. Utahn, Utah. He also goes by the name of Neufeld Robert L, a US Lieutenant General, living in Fallujah, Iraq, but from - Utahn, Utah. There is also another Robert Neufeldl, who claims to be in Ramadi, Iraq and from Utahn, Utah. Upon doing a google image search, these photos were stolen according to      There is also another Robert Neufeld, who says he works for some lottery. I just got an invitation to connect with a Scott Williams, that when you google his name, is also a known scammer. Suddenly that request has been taken down. I'm wondering if they are not all connected. Please be careful. You can always copy their photo and do a google image search. Beware of those named Robert L Neufeld. I find they have used different variations of the name. Neufeld Robert L, Neufeld RobertL, Robert Neufeld, Robert L Neufeld. Thank goodness I did my research.

DALOMAR
July 21, 2016

In reply to by Roxie

Roxie, thank you for the tip to look for the scammer by copying photo in Google. It work. I found my scam there and I was surprise to read how many names he has: Evans Benito, Steven Carlos, Frank Griffson, Tomas Dijoux. I was in one piece. He is a great lover. Say he lives in San Francisco, CA, but now I dont know. He has the same story: flight for business to London for and then flight to Ghana to complete the business and one day he needs money...... He is a huge scammer.
tnance069
March 12, 2020

In reply to by Roxie

Back in 2015, I decided to try dating again after my husband passed away in 2013 so I went on Plenty of Fish & a man started communicating with me & coincidentally he went by the name Neufeld Robert l ,after about 3 weeks he was saying the " I love you " stuff, then saying he was going to lose his house & him & his daughter were going to end up in the street ,he said he was from Utah, Illinois then he said he was a civil engineer, then said he was having to go to Malaysia on business, that's went the money request really started claiming he was in a car wreck & needed money for the "surgery "on his leg about $6,000 then he needed another $6,000 for another "surgery" on his arm then after his "alleged" car accident he claimed he had no way to leave the country on top of all that then he wanted money for food. Then when I told him I have no money he then claimed he got " robbed " & needed money for a place to stay . When I questioned him about the name of the so called hospital he was in he claimed he couldn't read it. After the scam ended then I saw him on Facebook using the same pictures he used on me but using a totally different name when I sent a message to the "different " person he was claiming to be about the pictures were being used by a scammer next thing I know I'm getting a message from Neufeld Robert I wanting to know why I told the "new" person about the pictures being used by a scammer.
Emily0206
February 02, 2019

In reply to by tcrice67

I have been getting money requests from a guy named Mac Wood. He says he’s in Lagos. He wants MoneyGram sent to him because he says he is stuck there. Has anyone heard of him??? Says he’s from Manchester, England.
susan39
February 17, 2016

In reply to by netta328

I got a friend request on Facebook and accepted it. We started messaging back n forth for 2 days. He said he lives in New York, but will not say where. He says he is in business in London. He had his friend call me on private number and in a threatening manner. Both asked for bank acct, didn't give them one because I don't have one. The one that called wanted PayPal passwords. I didn't give it to him. Threats of hurting my family and the guy said he knows where I live. I blocked the guy on Facebook and phone number. I do not know what to do.
Emmanuel
February 26, 2016

In reply to by susan39

My dear Susan, they no nothing about you. Its just a mere threat . Be strong okay.
jek
March 20, 2016

In reply to by netta328

Hello im in the same situation I met a guy in a dating site saying he is deployed in nigeria and looking for a wife...I gave him my email and yes he sent photos there and I gave my whatsapp number ..later he was asking me to send money thru money gram I said I dont have cash im going home next month..he said if I can send money cuz his internet is about to expired....I said I will send when I go home...then it came to my mind why not I search in google about this guy and his name is john diemel I did search and found out he is using alot of facebook accounts....but I gave my bank name..is it possible that he can steal my money? Pls help I need answer
FTC Staff
March 22, 2016

In reply to by jek

If you give someone your name, your bank's name and your account number, it is possible for him to take your money.

If someone asks for your bank account number and says he will put money in your account, he might take your money instead.

Cindylynn
March 22, 2016

In reply to by netta328

Yes dear,I had the same thing happen to me.You ask about help. I am looking at photos on the internet. You can do a photo search that will pull this man's pic up for you. I'm doing it mainly to let this man know his I.D. and pictures are being used. It would how ever be such a remarkable thing if I could end up meeting with the real man and him not be married but if he is, So be it. I'll still be happy. Thanks

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