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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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Broncomom8
November 04, 2018

In reply to by Jake

Hi.ive got one of those from facebook Dr.Named Victor working in Syria. With 14 year old in boarding school.black hair,likes roses and black white beard.and 2 more fake military on instagrsm Micheal hopso,asking for 100 itune cards,Matt Sadler asked for itune card.and 5 more pretending to be Army soldier Mr.Young
Wonderful22on'…
January 23, 2019

In reply to by Broncomom8

Hes asked me for i tune card and hes now threatening to kill me boys are side my building he dont get what he wants hes frightening me hes getting pictures of me
silverdragon93
February 14, 2019

In reply to by Broncomom8

did this man say his name was luther vicks hahah and did he say talk to me baby and that he was a doctor
Nikaunik
November 16, 2018

In reply to by Jake

My mom had been talking to this guy named Jackson Williams and he is supposed to be stationed in Nigeria but know he is fake but he charmed her has anyone talked to him he claims he's from Nevada always asking for iTunes cards and Western Union money and will pay it when he comes
Tessa Mae
June 30, 2018

In reply to by Lydia

Yes There was one that said the same thing to me.He was from New York but in Syria.And his name was Scott Wilson.And he was a widow and a daughter that lived in Canada with grandparents.He wanted me to open a new account and he tried to wire money.Then when the bank daid it was fraud.He wanted to kill me.Threated me 3 times.
jojojojo
August 08, 2018

In reply to by Tessa Mae

What did this guys photos look like? I know someone who may be dealing with the same "Wilson".
Karma
August 24, 2018

In reply to by jojojojo

I can try to post a photo. I’m in the beginning stages of this exact thing
Vonski
September 04, 2018

In reply to by Karma

I'm just curious. Did he send you a picture through Collage.com? I got one shortly after we started talking. I have proof that he bought something else from Collage.com on 8/16/2018.
bai
October 16, 2018

In reply to by Tessa Mae

Same here, he said he’s a surgeon and working for UN and assigned in syria.. his name was Scott William..have one son (11 years old). His wife died in a car accident 6 years ago..etc.. Though he didnt asked for money..i can sense he’s a scam..
Sofia
January 24, 2019

In reply to by bai

Hey, someone named Scott Johnson contacted me on instagram and he told me was a 47 years old widow, who lost his wife and child 6 years ago in a car accident. Suppose to be working as a Oil Dig Engineer. And I just found out that he stole the pictures from a rusian painter. He never had the chance to ask me to send him money. Because I blocked him. Scammers are everywhere. I met really nice people thru websites and dating sites, but that was 10 years ago. Now days you can't trust any one.
Lettilane
March 23, 2019

In reply to by Sofia

I had a Scott Johnson contact me a few months a go. He said his wife died but still had his son. As soon as I said I couldn't help him out he stopped talking to me.
Pam
April 24, 2019

In reply to by Sofia

Do you have a picture. I am chatting now to a man who says he is works on a oil rig and tour story is like what i have been told. Only thing he hasn’t asked for money but i dofeenit’s a scam
Dreamer
July 13, 2020

In reply to by Barbara

Meet a George Wison. Said he was 62 and had a 15 yr old son I. CA. The photos look like a model posed them. I could not find any posts of him on Facebook. Then soon photos appeared. Now he is a doctor. If he was a real doctor that would be the first part of his name. He sweet talked me. Telling me that heaven was missing an angel. Please, give me a break. I am not that good looking. I told him about other guys trying to scam me. I said I was not going to give any stranger money. He got upset and said that I was insulting him. Good riddance. He is not on Facebook any more. So it was a scam.
Jay123
July 24, 2018

In reply to by Lydia

I have just been talking to a Dr Donald Sam Andy who asked me to go on skype and WhatsApp From California serving as a medical doctor in Syria with a 14 year old son who is looked after by a nanny. I had a feeling that it was a scam so kept saying I have no money and lots of debt. I am looking after my terminal mother so exhausted and not 100% so I guess he realises I would be easy target He was so charming and convinced me to send a private photo because he was granted leave and coming to see me booking his flight today He then called to say his Amex wouldn’t work could I send him £450 so I blocked him I then got texts from two numbers with a ladies photo saying you have one hour to pay me or I will post your photo on social media and friends I have deleted all social media and said I have gone to police but I am worried about the photo Anyone got any helpful information for me?
madashell
July 27, 2018

In reply to by Jay123

Hi , I’m having the same problem but I don’t know if I should tell him I went to the police, because he is threatening to tell my son he was able to screenshot my contacts.... I told him I had no money, but he got mad and raised it from $7000 to $10,000. I don’t know what to do
Scammex
October 19, 2018

In reply to by Cath2018

Don't send any money or any encouragment. They aren't your lover or your friend
very mad woman…
December 28, 2018

In reply to by Cath2018

When they threaten you with asking you with more money or threaten you about showing your pictures don't worry about that that's your least worry because it's just a threat it trying to scare you into doing whatever they want you to do I've been through that one threatened me that he would put my picture on Facebook put my face on a nude body so I blocked him on Facebook and nothing happened so that's just a threat for you to do whatever he wants you to do.... so don't worry
Stupidinlove
October 14, 2018

In reply to by madashell

I had a man named Larry Crawford friend request me on Facebook and we started talking. We Skype and he had me go to a messaging service called Viber. His number co.rd up from Houston area which he says that is where he lived until his wife died three years ago then he moved to Malibu. He says he is a Civil Engineer he did send me lots of pictures and calls me on Viber and his cell phone number comes up as New York number. He said he bought a SIM card in New York when he was there. He told me he loved about a month into out messages. He said he is in Dubai doing a project and was robbed and injured and said he needs 1000 to get meds. I was stupid and sent it but it was to a lady here in Kentucky. So now he said in order to get home from Dubai since he was robbed and his bank cannot give him a new debit card until he gets back in the states he needs 7000 to get hospital bills paid and ticket to get home. I am hoping to do the reverse image tom when I have access to a computer. Sad I feel so much in love with him and he says all the right things but so just feel he is a scanner and I am not giving him any more money. I just do not know what to do to see if he is scammer or real.
Skeptical
January 02, 2019

In reply to by Stupidinlove

This is clearly a scam. Hopefully you didn’t send the money.
KDriskell
February 18, 2019

In reply to by Stupidinlove

How can anyone love someone they have never met relationships take time you spend time together in person not on a computer or phone or chat forum I have had so many try not one has made it to 1st base
Jen
February 18, 2019

In reply to by Stupidinlove

Civil engineer, wife died three years ago, temporarily working in another country ... three common things said in scammers Communications. Then add in the request for money because they've been robbed, and that clinches it. It's a scam. Do you really think someone with enough brains to be a civil engineer and familiar enough with traveling to work in a different country would have no other resources other than a stranger they met on the internet to get the funding they need to get on a plane back home? No. For those of you who don't speak face to face, ask to Skype with them or FaceTime. Some of you don't even know who you're talkin to. Often with the scammers, their photos they use are stolen.
scouser
May 07, 2019

In reply to by Stupidinlove

Oh gosh - this all sounds familiar but slightly different. Met a man named Joey Barteet on Match and for a few weeks it was all good and very flattering. Civil engineer working in the UK but from Buffalo NY. When I questioned him about his job in the UK he seemed very vague (with hindsight). Wanted to speak and was attentively calling me every day. Tried to get me on vibe and on email but I resisted. He wanted to care for me etc etc. Started to get a bit intense which set some alarms ringing then all of a sudden he was called to Dubai to do a pipeline job. Started asking for money (30K) to get some "chemicals" out from customs which I refused. Next he needed some money (so that he didn't have to sell his Rolex) to get important 'documents" out of the UK to Dubai (5k). So it went on but I quickly got tired of him trying to bully and harass me into sending money and blocked him from everything........ Handsome man with a beard and amazing eyes. BEWARE.
Paradyse
May 13, 2019

In reply to by scouser

SCOUSER,SOUNDS like what im going through. Can you send me a picture if this man? He has sent me pictures and he is very handsome and has a beard n.mustache.
Yuyivina1963
December 05, 2018

In reply to by madashell

I went through the samething for 4 1/2 years. He threaten me many times when i didnt sent him money. He is in Malaysia studying but he is from Nigeria. He made me fall in love promise me happy marriage. Is a long story. I finally broke up with him and blocked him everywhere. I did met him in person i traveled to Malaysia many times. The last time i went he took $2500 from me and my Note 9. I cameback home USA i told him that i was going to report him with Malaysia police and Embassy he hasnt bother me again. I invested lots of money on this relationship. The last i heard he is going to Australia maybe scamming someone else.
Happy4theinternet
August 04, 2018

In reply to by Jay123

Dr. Donald Sam just tried to get me as well but, thankfully before I downloaded WhatsApp and before I gave him my number, I googled him first. No, Dr. Donald Sam in California and he also has a 2nd instagram named DrDonaldSamAndy. He was too pushy for me so, I know he was up to something - and I told him that. Plus, he didn’t write like a doctor so.... I kept looking until I found this article with your comment. Thank you! Filthy scammers. Good luck to you ladies and be careful.
Salim mwarumba mbui
October 24, 2018

In reply to by Jay123

I was conned some registration fees and l got none but blocked on wattsup , that guy is from Nigeria , he used a Facebook account by the name Sharon Julie , told me she was from South Africa.
Mountain girl
August 13, 2018

In reply to by Lydia

I have been talking to Dr. Roland Smith also. He is a fake! Told me he had a son. Watch out Wilson Erickson and Philip Cox and Eden Johnson.Also Gale Beavers.all are crooked
Helene373
August 19, 2018

In reply to by Mountain girl

I have been messaging with a guy on Facebook for about three weeks. Claims his name is Davidson Ogas, comes from US, but is in Africa now working on contract as a surgeon for the United Nations. He sems to look somewhat like John Williams and has just begun preparing to set me up to give him money.
Tiger
September 13, 2020

In reply to by Lydia

I have been talking to a guy with same name, same story. Thank God I decided to look into this. He hasn’t asked for money yet. Little does he know I don’t have any nor would I send him any if I did
GYPSY
June 28, 2018

In reply to by Charma

First part of May - Facebook invitation. Nice looking widower of 7 years, 2 children, schooled in United Kingdom. younger than me by 10yrs. Short beard, black with grey, said his children and coworker friends were so glad that he met someone. I was making him so happy and his kids, too. The kids even emailed me to say how glad they were that I was making their dad so so happy. I was enamored, yep, fell in love, called me gorgeous, beautiful, princess, honey, my love........ He gave me a brief description of where he worked in San Antonio. Pretty soon indicated his company was sending him and 3 others to Syria - he even had a 'ticket' he sent to me showing the time, date etc, city where he was going. After he 'arrived' if he really is there - he said his kids were headed to Paris on a field trip but because he was in Syria and no funds are sent in to the country and none sent out...he asked me if I could send 1000 pounds to a "nanny" in England so the kids could go. "Their emails" said how excited they were to go. I told them to have a good time - that it would be great. That's when he said send a money gram AND I did. Somehow because this kind of scam/fraud happened in this area before - the recipient could not pick it up without further authorization from me- so "Joshua" told me to call them to release the funds. The name was on the form along with my name and the transaction # (whatever). ANyway- I called money gram and they asked me pointed questions to which I couldn't lie...I didn't know the recipient, I had not known the person asking for the money and I did not ever meet him in person. I was able to get the refund and now he is asking me to resend it to a bank account in the women's name. I am going along with this right now to see if we can catch him - however anyone can help me. I even saw the Field Trip forms with each students' name on them...I called the school in United Kingdom and emailed them the forms.... She said they looked legitimate, like their schools forms but she also offered information that school was out and the names on the forms were not their students and that they would not be asking parents for field trip money. Maybe more info about this guy - will come later.
Fooled
October 21, 2018

In reply to by GYPSY

I am so sorry to hear this. I actually met my scammer and he had a daughter in the UK but he is working in Turkey and he can’t get out of the country. His “daughter” even calls me which is why I fell for this. He also gave me access to his bank acct which I am assuming is also fake. Anyway I can get to the bottom of this?
Turkeyresidence
October 30, 2018

In reply to by Fooled

Same here he was building a residence for someone from the prime ministry, as he arrived they stole his bag with iPad/computer, was detained, labor injury, tax fee, two daughters now he needs money, wife died in car accident, sound familiar goes by the name Alvin Karik?
Cisy girl
December 23, 2018

In reply to by Fooled

This man claims to be a solar panel enigneer and is in nigeria frlm New York named Adrian Patrick Bigem Groz he lies tell me he loves me was comming in sept here it is Dec 2018 no Adrian yet has any one heard of this name please reply me soon wznts cards money flight money to get home come on u lying scammer ur a dog how many women has he done this to.
NYGirl
January 04, 2019

In reply to by Fooled

Fooled OMG I have been talking to supposedly Robert Erickson. He has three kids, 2 girls & a boy. He’s on an Oil Rig since Mid November. He asked for $600.00 in ITunes gift cards I wouldn’t do it. He said his laptop needs to be updated. I said you don’t use ITunes cards for that. I said the stores are questioning me. He’s like do STEAM they won’t question you. I haven’t gave him anything! Then asked for $1,000 because the nanny ran out of money. I’m like you left in mid November how did she run out of money. Last week he asked for $500-$2,000 to send to the nanny because his son is very sick. He said with bronchitis. I didn’t buy it. Now he’s asking me please send whatever you can. Supposedly the nanny is texting me asking me about things. I met him on POF but he had the same pictures on POF that he also sent me. I knew he was a scammer. I’m so happy that i stuck with my gut and never sent him anything!!
Blessed_one
February 09, 2019

In reply to by NYGirl

Lol I think I met the same guy who is on Instagram. He said he on an oil rig. He asked for 200.00 itune card., Numeeous amounts of cash He said he needed to update laptop and cell phone. He cant explain why he doesnt have a debit card. All the sad stories of wife dying, girlfriend died and dont have access to bank account! LOL Then the needs access to my bank account to deposit a check in there to change flight info. The check he says is 12,000. I laugh and he got soooooo angry. DEFINITELY a scammer but I'm to intelligent for him so he gets so upset. Beware because he has over 2500 women that he follows on Instagram. Lol HE USES THE NAME NELSON RICHARD ALL AS ONE NAME. BILLS! LOL YOUR STORY SOUNDS LIKE THIS IS THE SAME PERSON WITH THIS OIL RIG SCAM!!!! BE CAREFUL LADIES!! I told him silly rabbit tricks are for kids!!!
LK
February 28, 2019

In reply to by Blessed_one

I'm talking to him right now. He's widowed for 4 years. Met on a dating site. He has a son going to college in London. Who he had email me to tell me how happy he was his dad meet someone. He says he lives in Atlantic Beach, FL. He's on a oil rig in Gulf of Mexico and tells me how much he loves me. He's coming home in 7 days but aesk of a sudden he's having problems on the rig (he's in charge of). He's exhausted all his resources and needs money for a major part and helicopter services. We've been talking for 3 months. He even sent me flowers at my work. I've fallen in love with him but I'm coming to realize he's a scanner. Someone talk me out of this!
Lotus
May 03, 2019

In reply to by LK

LK, I have the similar situation and same story from the guy I met at dating site. Do you have his pictures and video or can you describe his physical appearance please? it may the same guy. thanks
PS
April 10, 2019

In reply to by Blessed_one

I have been chatting to a man off a dating site since last year his name is also Nelson Richard who is a civil engineer and lives in Omaha Nebraska. He has told me that he came to the states from Greece when he was 8 years old and is now 58. He is a widower with a 17 year old son who lives with his grandmother in Idaho. We have been chatting through the Hangouts app. He has sent me a few photos and a copy of his passport which I think is fake. He is unable to send me selfies and always has an excuse why he is unable to take a photo of himself. He lives and owns his own business in Omaha and states that he has been to Australia to work on the freeway from Melbourne to Geelong. He has also said that he will be coming to Australia soon to work on a tunnel and road project in Sydney. He still has a very heavy accent which I have been told isn't Greek. He has told me that he loves me and misses me, that we are meant to be together and that we will be soon. He knows exactly what to say to win a lady over. I have sent him money and feel very ashamed of myself for that. He is now saying that he has had to close his bank account as he was being hacked and is stuck in Mexico and needs money to get back to the states. Over the period of time that we have been chatting I have also developed feelings for him as well. I know I wouldn't have believed it myself but I have. I know that I will miss talking to him to a person that I haven't even met. I really hope karma comes around his way sometime soon. So is this Nelson Richard the same one?
Gotagetonup
March 13, 2019

In reply to by NYGirl

I had almost the same thing happen to me. Military guy. Nanny contacted me. He kept trying to get $$$.
Asiangirl
April 05, 2021

In reply to by NYGirl

NYGirl A Robert Erickson almost scammed me, do you still have pictures of him?
Buddy
July 19, 2021

In reply to by Asiangirl

How about a oscar or a magnus Erickson?
Enough of this mess
September 17, 2021

In reply to by Buddy

Yes felt with Magnus Erickson. 4 months. Delta with someone else after a month. They all seem to have the same "script"
EasyTarget
October 30, 2021

In reply to by Asiangirl

I’m speaking with a Robert Erickson now who is an architect in Greece. Showed me his bank account Swedish, nice looking 66y. Daughter in Manchester also called me. Needs money for taxes to complete project. Wants me to leave my job and liquidate retirement fund.
EasyTarget
October 30, 2021

In reply to by Asiangirl

Yes. He’s Swedish. Nice looking. Last year someone else was using similar pictures so I’m not sure since it’s a common name
Asiangirl
April 04, 2021

In reply to by Fooled

I just discover this scammer.. I met him thru Linkedin. All his stories seems legit but when he pressured me about the money, I decided to investigate. Pls. Be aware of this man!
Easy target
November 04, 2021

In reply to by Fooled

I was in communication w Robert Erickson and daughter called me from Manchester. He even Skyped me from a hospital bed and told me to quit my job to send $250000. He is bright convincing and very persistent. I told him no many times but she keeps harassing me for money. I finally told him I’m making a choice and will no longer communicate. I hope others don’t get scammed. Met on ok cupid
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