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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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Prb4537
June 15, 2019

In reply to by bloke68

It’s a scammer. Sorry man I ask myself what is this world coming to.
Prb4537
June 15, 2019

In reply to by Jpatalano

Jpatalano, sorry this happened to you it’s happened to me as well. There are good women and men out there. We just have not found them yet
Gaik
July 03, 2019

In reply to by Jpatalano

Hi Jpatalano; I am currently talking to a woman now who claims she is a nurse at hospital and was told she and 5 others are being transferred to go to Vietnam to help out a hospital to take care of children with heart troubles. I know in my gut she is not telling the truth because you don't get transferred to another country to help out unless your in the military. I was wondering if you have a picture of her by any chance? The one I am with is tall, slim, blonde hair, blue eyes wear red frame glasses that covers her eyes. I also believe she is married and her husband may be a part of it. Some the pictures I have had to be from someone else taking the pictures. If it sounds familiar please let me know. As of right now I have not given any money. She is suppose to go to vietnam and I suspect that is where the trouble will begin. Another thing she claims she is from Texas, but, wears New York t-shirts and ball cap. Another red flag.
antbroadbent
July 24, 2019

In reply to by Gaik

Hello , this is very similar to my friend situation now he's met a nurse sending phone and money for bills / taxi / visa ect... she claims to be from Texas in ghana and her passport ran out and she's been in a car crash and needed money... he's never spoken to her only pic with hospital bed which I think looks strange and another hiding up a piece of paper saying happy birthday...??? do you have any pics it's sound very similar this ... worried for my friend need to do some digging on this thank you
Sel
March 25, 2019

In reply to by bunny

I just escaped from a Con artist. She said that she owns a Ranch in Mississauga and her father had secretly bequeathed her with two chests of Gold Bars. She wanted me to come to Quebec to transport the Gold Bars. She couldn't understand, why I don't want to be part of this treasure. She also forwarded me a photograph. Initially, I thought she is truly looking for love until she started talking about Gold Bars. Please don't fall for these
Carrotsnpeas
June 25, 2020

In reply to by Sel

There are NO RANCHES in Mississauga. It's a very, very suburban area outside Canada's biggest city, Toronto. Lots of highways and commuter trains, no ranches.
Lahlah65
April 21, 2019

In reply to by bunny

My guy asked for money. I accused him of being scammer. He got mad. I asked for a picture of his Us drivers licence. Of xouese he refused. Blocked and reported. Ask for selfie of him holding his us id or open passport id. Send money to embassy for them if they show proper id.
California girl
December 17, 2018

In reply to by Thanks17

What is wrong with us to believe these guys? I for one was rolling my eyes at the stuff coming out of his mouth after only days of messaging! Oh and what is it with the iTunes cards? This guy even sent me his Military ID! Looks legit but I’m having it checked and know it’s just photoshopped because the guy is way too young for so many medals!
California girl_2
March 18, 2019

In reply to by California girl

I have been scammed since October of 2018 his name is Davis his email is DaviskMontalvo @gmail. com; he worked with a courier company I have the site and the name of the delivery manager, Samuel Chris, plus even a red cross agent they ripped me off over 53 thousand dollars. Then I met another guy Alex Cole his email is Alexandercole7777 @gmail. com; who said he would help me how stupid am I ???? I feel so stupid and helpless I helped him because he told me he would help me with sending me money I lost!! such a fool I am. I am scared to report them but I have sent a yelp notification not to use one of the courier companies Alex used MNGCourier.com in Turkey. I lost almost 100k. but they still sent me emails and Davis even asked for a 100$ i tunes card I told him to go to hell. I tried to stay friends with him but when I questioned him if he was a soldier that is trying to rip me off he said dont listen to them its not true and he loved me and I never heard from him again. Omg!! now I am trying to get a second on my house to payoff all my loans. its been a terrible year! I wish I could meet with one of you ladies so I can cry and tell you how sorry I am for all of us!! I am a good person and just want to help people. Now i can never trust anyone omg!!! feeling devastated!!!, humiliated!!!
tired_everything
March 20, 2019

In reply to by California girl_2

I think i get the same thing like u, i'm just a student and got being scam for this girl she said she working on the ship as a chef and then she lost all her money from someone stealing it, then she asking money to help her, but in the end the money keep going and going up, and she said she will pay me back, but after this every thing still continue until now, i'm so stress right now idk what to do or talk with someone else, if you still on this blog or this website, if you can message me your phone or your email then i can share or help you something...
bdedmondson sb…
July 06, 2019

In reply to by California girl_2

I am sorry to hear that this all happened to you. I have been searching on the Internet myself and have run into many scammers professing love after a short time of correspondence. I’ve learned that to never send money to someone you have never met before in person. I have been on Internet dating websites for months and have never met someone who was actually real. You seem like a very nice and wonderful person. I hope you find what you’re looking for here on the Internet.
Jolly
January 07, 2019

In reply to by California girl

I also just happened to me this guy pretending to have a daughter sending me pics of him and his daughter so annoying. Just yesterday pretended to have send me this and money which I declined as I was quick to realise that it was a scam. Oh thank God
Salty
February 08, 2019

In reply to by Jolly

I think we all should post the photos of the poor victims they are claiming to be. Wish there was a way the victim could know there photos are being hacked!
farmer girl
June 19, 2019

In reply to by Salty

i was just being scammed :( now Im trying to find this guy with the photos that the scammer gave me.. How can I do that? Now I really want to get to know this guy that the scammer send me..
Nelle15
June 25, 2019

In reply to by farmer girl

Hi i was scammed also and the same with you i also want to know who was the man in the picture. Hope someone can help us know who is that man in the picture.
Cheymil
December 21, 2020

In reply to by farmer girl

My grandma too, just found out today I finished shutting down her hangouts account. I am so sad for her tho, bc she hasn’t loved anyone since my grandfather and she fell for this guy and sent him tons of money.
marcia ,on't u…
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Salty

I have been looking for to find way to meet a real person from the pictures but no sucess . How can I get it ?
RSfrP
May 28, 2019

In reply to by Jolly

Watch out for Philip Richard In IG , his accent is Asian like Chinese , and pretending to be a German Guy with daughter and mom. He is not asking money but asking to use your “big account” in your bank , he said he will put money to your bank then you will just withdraw for him if he need it... he said he is a civil engineer , send a big German, handsome looking guy on his 50’s picture. Even send his daughter’s picture. Maybe he took those pics and pretend he is the one.. i suspected him when i tried sending him German /dutch language or messages but he did not react and did not explain . He called me on the Phone via Whatsapp and he does not want to use video call. He said he is in Cambodia now.
Tina Louisiana
May 31, 2019

In reply to by RSfrP

This sounds very familiar to what I'm experiencing at this moment . This guy says he's 53 named Damien from Canada sn engineer and needs me to get his check for him put it in my bank account . His pics showed him in Paris he had grey hair with a beard
Lavern
June 06, 2019

In reply to by Tina Louisiana

I have someone who lives in Florida but is in Paris right now cause that’s where his dad lived. He lost his wallet and asked for a few hundred dollars for to add to some money for his plane ticket back to Florida. I told him I didn’t have it. He asked me Wednesday if he could transfer some funds to my bank account and have me purchase his ticket and then transfer what’s left to him when he gets home. He was supposed to be coming to visit me when his dad got sick and died in Paris. He is African with a French accent but says he’s a Black man who grew up in Paris. He shows pictures of his mom and daughter in SC. Says he’s an agent for State Farm but can’t locate him in the directory. Says he’s 56, 6’1 and has a pic of a Black brown skinned, bald headed slim man with a silver and black beard. Has a pic of a small dog called K9. Each time I say something about scam he becomes offended.
KatDon't use y…
November 26, 2019

In reply to by Tina Louisiana

Sounds a lot like the guy I’m speaking with. But goes by the name dale burkeen. I would love to see if it’s him if you have a photo or can confirm a photo I have of him. This sucks.
joi
May 01, 2020

In reply to by Tina Louisiana

hello , can i know everything about this man, cause i met online a guy named dammy damien , i think he is a scammer, he said he is eng. in a cargo ship , he lost his wife and his parents, but she has a daughter, after weeks we chat he asks for money to buy medicines for her daughter, but i dont give him , can i see his picture please, thanks
Bob
June 05, 2020

In reply to by Tina Louisiana

This guy I think is talking with multiple wife. He has been having an romantic relationship with my wife do you have any pics of him? Has a beard sometimes and also has glasses answer is in the military and historical wife died and he has a nanny who watches his daughter. He goes by Martinhank60@ he is certainly smooth and keeps proffesing his love he says hello beautiful every day and avoids all video calls keeps her hooked with the intense romance I want to know I'd anyone has pictures so we can see if it's the same person and where can we find them. He's also from Canada
Lu
June 13, 2020

In reply to by Bob

I have pics of the guy with glasses and a goat beard he says he has a daughter also I have a picture of her. His name is Burt Asner.
Jj
May 30, 2020

In reply to by Tina Louisiana

Hi did he have greying hair and a goaty type beard telling yoh he loves you and not to be negative
Chori
June 29, 2019

In reply to by Jolly

Hi Jolly, did he say his daughter is 8 years old? And that he is a widow . Age 53. Says he is Russian but he has a Nigerian accent.
CAFool
July 17, 2019

In reply to by Jolly

I have a collage of photos The scammer sent me of him and his daughter. Is there a way we could share? I’d love to see if it’s the same photos.
Mandro
December 17, 2019

In reply to by Jolly

What was the name this guy used? I am corresponding with guy same thing.
lisa1702
February 13, 2020

In reply to by Mandro

I have a photo of a guy who scammed me how do I share this
Ecummings98
April 10, 2020

In reply to by Jolly

What did he say his name was? Sounds familiar sent me picture of him and his daughter
Cheyenne
January 14, 2019

In reply to by California girl

California Girl, I'm with you , I too am a highly educated professional women. This guys was the best I've ever seen. He was local, just 180 mile north of me and supposedly an architect. I checked out his office and website, it all seemed legit. It went on for six months before he asked for money, twice daily phone calls, texts and emails and the he left the country for work and yes that's when it got interesting. I wont bother with the story but i lost 24,000 and i could not afford to lose that much. I thought i checked him out pretty well, asked for pictures from where he was at the moment either his home, cab, hotel and he always sent them, even asked if i would meet his Mom and gave me her contact info...that i didn't check out i wish i had but doesn't matter now , haven't heard from him in two months and can't find him anywhere, website no longer exists and and phone number rejects calls, last call i got was from Cyprus.
tomlawrence222333
March 14, 2019

In reply to by Cheyenne

i have come to realize that special time are better when share with good hearted people
VP
June 16, 2020

In reply to by Joey

Charles Luke is now going by the name of Thomas Patrick White
Mandy
August 16, 2020

In reply to by Joey

This guy approached me in words with friends game only talked to him about a week when he asked for $5000 for a crane that crashed on an oil rig. Told him bye the minute he asked
ktaxdu1
September 04, 2019

In reply to by Cheyenne

Now a days I also meet a girl name Susan... She confessed her love with me and suddenly his brother got accident and she has not enough money.. she asked me for help so what I do now please help me.
Khalisanchez1
November 19, 2019

In reply to by ktaxdu1

That name Susan sounds familiar is her supposed to be Susan carolina
Gracie
November 12, 2019

In reply to by Cheyenne

What name did this guy go by? Was he Spanish Canadian , educated in Sweden live in Aussie. Talked about his mixed accent, Mum in canada. Architect stuck in Turkey with workers to pay, sent Canadian contract to you?
Rhody
January 05, 2020

In reply to by Gracie

Same story different name and pics and situation. Mine was a us marine. Civil engineer updating marine base in irag. Needed money 2 come home bc he couldn't access his money from the banks ovee there. Then needed more 2 pay the workers. I wired money via moneygram 2 turkey. He uses pic off the web and changes his name but something is strangly familiar about everyone's story like its an m.o. or something
Jj
May 30, 2020

In reply to by Cheyenne

Hi the one i have just met said he was engineer and just got contract to go to cyprus for work, 59 good good looking grey white hair goatee beard type thing, photos one in chair backyard, another one green tie, another one some sort of skull cap, he flew out today to Cyprus, telling me he loves me calls me babe , does that sound familiar ?
Honey
October 30, 2020

In reply to by Jj

Hi yes l just had a online romance with this jerk l deleted all his pictures but sounds exactly like him. He told me he worked on an oil rig off Boston. He was a supervisor for 20 years. Had a son his wife died in a car crash 5 years ago. He is a real smooth operator so is his son. The father is Julius and the son Was Lesley. He had a home in Italy and a house here in California his son was in boarding school. Showed me pictures of him his houses his cars l talked to him on the phone. He wanted money also. Hangouts should be shut down his on line address lovely dad 22@ Please ladies don’t fall for him.
Angel2020
June 12, 2020

In reply to by Jj

Hi JJ, Sounds like the guy I was chatting with for a few months. They change their names and profiles often. My guys name was Michael. His story was slightly different but your description sounds about right. 59 yrs old and light /white hair with mustache/ goatee. I had several photos that I deleted. You can do a reverse image search and it will bring up all the places these photos are being used. One of the pics was being used on Tinder under another name but the same description of this guy. He tried to scam me.
Ronda
September 16, 2020

In reply to by Jj

Hi, Can someone please read: I think I've been talking to same guy, same thing: good good looking grey white hair goatee beard type thing, goes by name of Tony Pence from CT. But I can't find any records of him at all. Met him on Zoosk dating app. and then he removed his profile. Says he's a widower, wife died of Colon Cancer. Really really nice and they do get your sucked in. We were supposed to meet up once & he suddenly cancelled - had to bid on an oil rig job. Got the job and now he's in South Africa, for 4 weeks. Been chatting and suddenly out of the Blue he sends me pictures of a broken lap top and said he needs help getting a new one. How can a supposed engineer work without a laptop ( I asked him). Then, he asked me: which bank I "Make use of", so someone could deposit money so I could help him out. I refused said I had no money. Very hurtful because he had been so nice and yes somehow you do fall for these guys. Also, has an accent says hes Italian.... Since I've refused the money he got mad and has barely texted me. He also has sent me pictures of supposed contracts but none of the addresses on the contract check out...Please this is extremely hard, does this sound familiar?
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