Skip to main content

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.

Search Terms
bank account
fraud
military
money transfer
online dating
scam
Topics
Shopping and Donating
Scams
Romance Scams
ChrisKA
August 03, 2020

In reply to by Synergy

I’m currently chatting with a Kevin Albert from Germany but is stuck in Indonesia. Share pics?
ChrisKA
August 07, 2020

In reply to by ChrisKA

OMG!!! I am also!!! Is he there because of damage to his “daddy’s”house??
ScamAlert!
September 01, 2020

In reply to by ChrisKA

Kelvin Albert and Kevin Albert are the same person and he is a scammer! Very loving & attentive all hours of day & night and very convincing!. Do not fall for it & do not send money!
ChrisKA
July 21, 2021

In reply to by ScamAlert!

Does he also go by Kevin Huge or Christian Albert?
Mary Sibi
January 06, 2021

In reply to by Synergy

My mom is talking at a kelvin copper who works in iceland as a petroleum engineer.. has a son named Harrison in the states who is 7 or 8.. He even calls my brother and i his kids.. He says he's got a check for 1.7 million but can't deposit it and due to covid he can't leave iceland.. today he asked for another 2k (because she's already made the mistake of giving him a lot of money).. he supposedly going to give her the money back but i know that won't happen.. anyone else?
koeks
August 01, 2019

In reply to by bettyboop

Barry Eckenwiller scammed me out of R800,000 using his child to make me feel sorry. Said child was to have urgent heart surgery. Promised to pay back all my money. Then he changed his email and just disappeared. Been trying for 4 years to track him down without any success. Does anybody know this man?
zippy30
August 08, 2020

In reply to by koeks

I believe my mother in law is being scammed in a similar way. This guy is apparently in the US Army as an E9, whos son is away in a boarding school in England. Said child just had an operation on his heart. Currently going under the name of Charles Anthony Raber? Has pics and everything of himself in uniform which i believe are stolen. Hospital doesn't exist that I can find. Sent an email to the school to verify son is there, awaiting a reply.
Ruined
August 15, 2020

In reply to by koeks

I'm used by a man called Peter monn with 10 year old son who got hit by bus and needed brain surgery he said he was stuck in turkey and having a hard time getting his money burnt me for 50,000 what a fool I was he just doesn't give up he also said he lost his parents in car accident at early age goes on whats app and usess bitcoins
cris
September 26, 2019

In reply to by old and dumb

we are the same.. he said that he has a son kevin living with his nanny but they are in U.K. and He is a head of operations and logistics at benzik oil company... he asked me to open a bank account for him. the name that he uses is Dave Forster on Facebook. but we first chat on Words with Fun2...
bonnie n't use…
July 13, 2020

In reply to by cris

Cris unfortunately met with the same man. Only I’m a convert into Islam so his name as he said was Dave Forster “Rashid” as he claimed to be a recent convert too along with his wife. Then she died of breast cancer 1 yr later. With son named Kevin “Yusef” being taken care of by nanny while we was head engineer for Benzik Oil in Finland. Found me on dating site called muslimsingles.com . Long story short was incredibly convincing and manipulative ( could have received an academy award) , conned me into sending money through bitcoin to his attorney as account was“ frozen“,put himself in ship originally after major depression from wife’s passing,left his son at home ...wanted to get off ship earlier transfer his contract,to live new life in US with me. I was recently widowed to the love of my life and recognize my vulnerability. Even though doubted him whole time,there was a small glimmer of hope ,that might be telling truth and I would get loan back after he finished his job there this coming December. Because of your post “cris” I see it was a complete scam. He blocked me from WhatsApp as he claimed “too painful to see me on there“ if we couldn’t be together as I finally said “no” at his last request to help him with a helicopter to get back to UK! Still have his email...planning on letting him know one more time how practically ruined my life,finances,credit etc. Now with Cov19 it’s even worse for my family. That in the end that he will get what’s coming to him and he will be punished by God for his actions! Have supposed copies of passports and All kinds of documentation As over time it was over 14k that he “borrowed” from me,with promises and written agreements that it was going to be paid back in full the moment he got back to London. I feel like quite the fool and at the same time,finally vindicated for knowing the truth! Planning on going back to FBI and UK embassy as already reported to FTC and local police (they said couldn’t do anything as overseas) . If he’s even from the UK or Even “DAVE FORSTER “ ... my friend said that his voice upon listening to a recording didn’t sound English but maybe ,Nigerian ? Bottom line I want to prevent anyone else to lay victim to this kind of sociopathy and scamming! Who even knows if this is one person as attorney and official from Belzik supposedly involved too! So like myself and “cris“Please “reply” as the more evidence for the “FTC“ the better !
Feellikeafool
August 13, 2020

In reply to by cris

Cris unfortunately met with the same Dave Forster! Only I’m a convert into Islam so his name as he said was Dave Forster “Rashid” as he claimed to be a recent convert too along with his wife. Then she died of breast cancer 1 yr later. With son named Kevin “Yusef” being taken care of by nanny while we was head petroleum engineer for Benzik Oil on oil rig Finland. Found me on muslim dating site. Long story short was incredibly convincing and manipulative ( could have received an academy award) , conned me into sending money through bitcoin to his attorney as his account was“ frozen“ and no money on ship etc. Claimed to put himself in ship originally after major depression from wife’s passing,left his son at home ...wanted to get off ship earlier transfer his contract,start new life with me and his son in US! I was recently widowed to the love of my life and recognize my vulnerability. He professed his “love” after 1st month or so and was first time he asked for money. Even though doubted him whole time,there was a small glimmer of “hope”,that he be telling truth and would get loan back after he finished his job there this coming December. Because of your post “cris” I see it was a complete scam! He eventually blocked me from WhatsApp as he claimed “too painful to see me on there“ if we couldn’t be together as I finally said “no” at his last request to help him with a helicopter to get back to UK! Still have his email and planning on letting him know one more time how practically ruined my life,(my own depression,isolation,complete emotional turmoil finances,credit not to mention the PTSD when comes to online dating etc.) Now with Cov19 it’s even worse for my family! That in the end that he will get what’s coming to him and he will be punished by God for his actions! I know he probably won’t even care,however for my own wellbeing and for potential other women in the future, feel need to let him Hear it again. Have supposed copies of passport and All kind of documentation of emails, conversations. As over time it was over 14k that he “borrowed” from me,with promises and written agreements that it was going to be paid back in full the moment he got back to London. I feel like quite the fool and at the same time,finally vindicated for knowing the truth! Planning on going back to FBI and UK embassy as already reported to FTC and local police (they said couldn’t do anything as overseas) . If he’s even from the UK or Even “DAVE FORSTER “ ... my friend said that his voice upon listening to a recording didn’t sound English but maybe ,Nigerian ? Bottom line I want to prevent anyone else to lay victim to this kind of sociopathy and scamming! Who even knows if this is one person as attorney and official from Belzik supposedly involved too! So like myself and “cris“Please “reply” if you also have had connection with this person as the more evidence for the “FTC“ the better ! Thank you
Cypz
October 13, 2020

In reply to by Feellikeafool

For over 3 months I met a guy named Dave Forster from a turkish site ecift.com. He introduced himself as a petroleum engineer working on an oil platform in the heart of the Baltic Sea in Estonia. While our conversation with him continues every day, he said that his wife died of cancer 4 years ago and he has a 12-year-old son named Kevin in England and lives with a babysitter. He talked about a contract he made with his company, Benzikson or Benzik oil. He mentioned that this contract was 3 years old and that his company paid him 5,000,000 pounds for these years. He was constantly talking about marriage. But he told his company that he was going to take a vacation and asked me for my e-mail address. Before these events, he told me that he had been in Estonia, Baltic Sea for more than a year, so he could not access his accounts in England and that I had to help him. He told his lawyer about the letter of guarantee he had to prepare for him. He asked me to send him 30,000 pounds to terminate the 3-year contract he made with his company, but he said he wanted to process the money on sistemkoin.com as bitcoin. In the first place, I sent him 30,000 pounds. Immediately after 3 or 4 days, another request for money came. Due to the Estonian government's covid-19, the Benzikson company in the UK refused the helicopter that it sent to pick it up from the Baltic Sea. His company told him that if he wanted to leave the Baltic Sea he had to hire a helicopter. The helicopter cost was also stated as 26,500 pounds. Now I believed this man was a scammer and I know very well that I would never send him any other money. This man is very dangerous, I want him to be present at the earliest and to be punished for his actions at the earliest. This guy is a cheater. During our speak with the Turkish Embassy in Estonia today, we have officially confirmed from them that there is no platform called Benzikson in the Baltic Sea. I am sending you all the information I have with this man. I will send you the details of all the money transfers I have made for him. I'm sure the best sensitivity to find this man. Thank you so much for your help.
I got away, ho…
June 25, 2018

In reply to by BrooklynNY

He claims his name is kayland Berger, goes by Kay Berger, with an email address of bergerkay119 @gmail.com, an text mail phone number of 817-668-8634, on “Hangout” as Kay Berger… I meet him “Plenty of fish”…. This is what he sent via email about himself.. I'm 58 years old but very young at heart and physically. I was born and raised from a Catholic home at Linz.. I was married for 14 years. I'm widowed for 9yrs now looking for that special woman of my dreams to bring back the joy and happiness I have been missing since I lost my late wife (companion). I have one adopted daughter called Adjoa who lives in Austria now with my Aunt, she’s black and in college at the moment, I adopted because my wife couldn't bear kids... I 'm a retired Automotive engineer; I worked specifically on Trains; I'm financially stable and living without stress..

Sassylady51
June 07, 2019

In reply to by I got away, ho…

My guys name was Mark Robinson and he definitely was a sweet talker. He seemed so real but there was still red flags. Especially the thing about falling in love so quick. I figured he was a scammer but he never asked for money and told me he owned a house in San Diego and the one in Germany. He also talked about a huge contract he had with Exxon and how he was going to be making a Huge profit. I Called him out on it because he wouldn’t prove who he was and he did not have a paper trail. He was a older widower and had a very young daughter. Picture of him and his daughter who seem like she was Spanish or mulatto. He also sent pictures Wearing a red diving suit and also a black rubber suit. He worked a crane under the water and he Lied about his faith in God and how he was told he was going to meet me and take care of me. He knew I was a recent widow but I really didn’t want anything serious but he wouldn’t leave me alone. He looked like he was in his 50s or 60s very handsome white guy but I called him out on it and wouldn’t stop. I asked for his ID I asked for a picture I asked for a video. Think he got sick of me bugging him to prove who he was and he sent me a video with him and a few other people men and women holding a gun in his hand in the song was playing bad boys bad boys what u gonna do when they come for u. I stopped all communication.I wish we could put pictures on this site. Is there a place where they don’t charge for reverse lookup?
Doubts2
August 13, 2019

In reply to by Sassylady51

The man i am talking to is younger 40s young daughters discription similar sandiego new york Texas he claims but grew up in Germany. im a widow also so very cautious. I wish we xould share photos
DT2
June 21, 2020

In reply to by Doubts2

This guy was on Instagram, he went by Steven Morgan. This is what he told me: I work with Rig 6 Drilling Unit, as a Rig Departmental Supervisor $ Sole Contractor in Supply of Crude Oil [Chemicals] for refining. He has a son in boarding school and that his wife passed. To make a long story short, I never sent him any money even though he did ask for $100.00. I told him I would not. He put on the charm how much he loves me and God put us together. I asked him if he was a terrorist. He got offended and sent me a picture of him on the passenger side of a army truck. I told him that didn't prove anything. To this day, I still didn't send him any money. I told him to ask his crew members or take our a loan. He has a foreign accent, but claims both of his parents are dead and he lives in Maryland California. Now I am just playing games with him and I can tell he is getting tired that he can't get through the wall I have up.
MKM
August 09, 2020

In reply to by DT2

Hi, I recently met a guy on Instagram and he has said the same but his son lives with him 17yrs old and he is a widow of 5yrs with a accent. He says he's Italian, he claimed he flew to Dubai on Friday and will meet me in 7wks... he says he puts God first he said his wife and daughter got killed in a car accident 5 yrs ago... he said he wanted to pay all my bills off, I told him no. Then yesterday while he's in Dubai for a contract photography job he needs me to buy him some itune cards, I can't and he can't understand if I'm his woman and trust him why can't I do this for him? His Instagram ID is donald_maxwell1112045. Check it out if you get this today and let me know hopefully he's still there.
katenick
March 19, 2020

In reply to by Sassylady51

Did he send you a picture with a purple shirt and wild patterned shorts on a golf course?
RACH
June 13, 2020

In reply to by Sassylady51

So I have a friend who is currently being scammed by what sounds like the same man or another man who uses the exact story! He is in his 50’s they met on words with friends, I can’t seem to get through to her he is a scam artist. By any chance does anyone have photos? He’s in his fifties, he has a son. There was even a picture with him and two children and he said it was a nannies child. Please help!
Bnobull
October 24, 2020

In reply to by RACH

Sounds very much like a guy in chatting with. Met me on Words With Friends. Parents dead. He's origin from Netherlands, lives in Nashville, has 14 year old son who is with a nanny while he works as environmental engineer I. Gulf of Mexico. Very convincing.
Grinnybear42
June 25, 2021

In reply to by Sassylady51

I have been talking to this same person, he had the same line, sent the same pictures. His picture is on Scammers United, very interesting. Wants cards to hire a helicopter so he can come back to California. Very convincing. I blocked him but he found a way around it. I can send pictures if I can figure it out.
Paigenc16
May 09, 2020

In reply to by BrooklynNY

I have recently met a guy who says he is a pilot also. He does not say that he has kids. He reports he is locked out of bank account, has to use company spyphone, and has no access to his money for flight. Met on Tinder. He has sent several pics. He even talked to my mother and niece on phone. Accent is legit. I'm confused
Diane
July 19, 2020

In reply to by Lisaab19

Lisaab19, Jon? Did you get his last name? My hook up began 7/5. Australian. Wife died 3 yrs. Had dtr, 17, going to boarding school in England. Works in Miami. He's 62, drop dead gorgeous. Grey hair w/thin goatee. Plays golf and his favorite colors are black and blue. Constantly affectionate. Write poems. And wants to know if you have eaten and what did for that day. EVERYTHING points to scammer, but "I" want to believe his ever word. Wants me to open him an account in my name so his friend could send him money which I'm suppose to get it to him. If I loved him, I would trust him. He put in for his citizenship but virus is holding it up. He is talking marriage. But I think he's getting tired of me for not trusting him.
ScamAlert!
September 01, 2020

In reply to by Diane

It’s a scam! Don’t let him try and make you feel guilty because you don’t trust him it is just another one of their manipulation tactics!!!! Do not open a bank account either! You are been groomed as a money mule for fraudulent funds. Block & delete it’s all lies.
Shortybro8
October 30, 2020

In reply to by BrooklynNY

Dear Mam from Brooklyn, New York : I would like to talk to u about this Mark Johnson okay. Cause I do believe that I am dealing with the same person that u may have. Do u have any of his pictures from previous 2018. He says lives in UK. I have pictures also. Does this man fit the description of foreign accent & about 5'8 to 6ft. dark hair & baby blue eyes. Very good looking & handsome.But he goes by 3 other names. But, I have never given him any money. he has tried. Also, had me go on the hangout site. I would greatly appreciate you help miss Brooklyn. very sweet talker & fell in love with him. Been a couple of months. said lost his wallet over in Europe, not long ago. I didn't go for that. Much less wanted me to pay for a pkg which was suppossed to be delivered here. Said had pd for the pkg there to be shipped & the receipt was fake that he sent to my cell Needless to say I never pd for it to come here. Not for over $600.00. I'm sure this the same man. Right now he is very mad that I wouldn't pay for it. Everything had been reprinted over white out. I wasn't born yesterday. my son looked at it & said the same thing. Please let me know if this could be the same person. He also says got daughter, & son. widower besides. Approximately 48 - 50 in age brackett. Thank You so much if u can help. My son & I would greatly thank you okay mam. My feelings are just terribly so hurt rite now. Also, he's a very good dresser & very neat. again , Thank You !!!!!
Thanks17
May 07, 2018

In reply to by Got scammed

Got Scammed, youre not alone. I lost more than you did..more more more sent to these criminals. I wanted to shout but realized it wont help. I am highly educated woman but I am trying to move on. Same story as yours. God bless us.
bunny
May 07, 2018

In reply to by Thanks17

Today, I am writing to say, yes, highly educated means we are just as gullible as others. I am out about 16,000 to a scammer maybe more. Sweet nothings and an occasional online playmate and what a dupe I have been. Yes, Romania, said to be involved in medical... original facebook listed out schools, none of which would confirm his attendance. Name is dubious, cannot pin him to any locale. Cell number untraceable, sends him iTunes cards, the list goes on and my face is permanently red. Slick moves and honeyed words promises of a car(?) marriage, a future complete with adopted kids... slight variation on themes, but sad all the time.
Thanks17
May 10, 2018

In reply to by bunny

bunny, yes I'm gullible highly educated woman. I gave a lot to these criminals ...more than what you've lost. when all my savings were drained I went to bank loans...huge loans in my hands right now. Nothing came as what promised. What a fool I am...I wanted to shout over mountain tops. God bless us
Neveragain2018
January 23, 2019

In reply to by Thanks17

Thanks17. I have lost a lot of money as well. How did you recover. My situation is fairly new. Having to file bankruptcy as well. It is so devastating
Penkam8
February 23, 2019

In reply to by Neveragain2018

I know how you feel also I’ve been scammed out of a lot of money lost my vehicle and about to lose my house and don’t think I will recover I’m so devistated I cry every day think it’s all over
Roxanne
March 19, 2019

In reply to by Penkam8

You are not alone. I took money from my mom thinkinking my man is paying me back. I have spent $56,000 in itune card. He said he could turn into cash for what he needed , to fix his problems b.p said they have no record of my guy he says he does and he claims he is still coming to me. I m not holding my breath
Loulou2934
May 25, 2019

In reply to by Roxanne

Hi Roxanne, I went through the same thing . I send more money than you. Now Im filing Bankruptcy. Every morning day and night I cried. Cant let my family knows nothing plus have a sick child and he knows it and it wasnt nothing to scam me. Now Im try to work with the authorities to get him in Africa. It will be over. Just file Bankruptcy its not going to be no where out. They only think about them self only. I knew him from June 2015 and he start the money scamming from April 2016 until July 2018 was the last he got over $7, 000.00 out of my hand . The money he said was to come here instead he took away the money so I curse him out which he decide to pay me back. The last message was a 2 sentence txt from him December 1st 2018 then he block all incoming call. He was living in Cyprus then he move back to Africa and scamming a lot of women in the USA and other countries. He uses a USA phone number.But Im going to bring him down because I have so much info on him he dont know. So try and bring him to justice. Our authorities here working with the EFCC over there. He dont call any more because he was a scammer. So do the right thing. Romance is not easy for us women. If you want you can reply to me and I can help and tell you what to do.
Thu Toronto
June 17, 2019

In reply to by Loulou2934

I was scammed by the man I believe who live in Kenya. I had been catfish. During 10 months course of the scam Mar 18- Jan 19, I had wired US 40 k to this con man through the banks in Turkey Plus 20 K through western union in Kenya . Is there any way to track down this con man
FTC Staff
June 18, 2019

In reply to by Thu Toronto

You could contact the Western Union Fraud Hotline at 800-448-1492 and explained what happened. You could also report this to the banks you used to transfer the money. If you met this person on a dating site or social media site, you could report the person's account to the website administrator.

Misskatniss
August 06, 2019

In reply to by Loulou2934

I was being scammed too. For 13k. What should I do now to get it back? It was so stressful and how idiot i am..
Sadie
January 05, 2020

In reply to by Loulou2934

Hi I'm talking to someone saids he and Afghanistan I didn't try I haven't really give him a lot of money but he says he's coming here in April to see me cuz he wants to marry me but I'm just wondering what was your names the name of your gentleman what was his name I can't I see pictures of them but when I scan him it sounds like he's a scammer and somebody else is using his name but then he really doesn't ask me for any money I sent them a couple bucks here and there but nothing major I just feels too good to be true need a little help
Tat
April 12, 2020

In reply to by Sadie

What name does he use? I’m talking to a guy right now sounds the same but just started. Just feels leery that’s why I started researching. He’s sent pictures even video. But if you look on FB Page it goes against everything he describes about himself.
Hanna
January 28, 2020

In reply to by Loulou2934

Hi Loulou, I think I’m scamming by Man from Arizona. He is security but has a contract with UN in Vietnam. He asked me to apply for his Vacation. He gave me UN email and they send me the form with UN logo and everything on it. They asked me to pay 2345€ on bitcoin wallet. I still talk with him because he is waiting for me to pay. When I check time of email that he sent me. Time zone is Los Angeles not Vietnam. Every picture that he sent me I check it say that is original and can’t be found on any site. When I asked him about fraud and that on web says that I don’t need to pay anything for UN. He always told me that he is security has different contract from UN employee etc... his wife died 13ago during the birth of daughter. And daughter is in boarding school. How can I check and found who is he, where he is and who is the man on the picture. He cant call me or make video because everything is secure. He also doesn’t have an online access to his account. The only stupid things is that I sent to this UN adress copy of my driving licence and I filled in this form. He has some of my pictures even with my son because I didn’t doubt until he start to ask for money. Can you please tell me what to do? Thank you
mkay
March 14, 2020

In reply to by Hanna

I’m talking to a guy right now that his story is very familiar to yours. He says he works for the UN and is in a special mission in Yemen right now. His mom died during childbirth with your younger sibling, dad died later because of a heart disease. Lost his wife 3 years ago in an accident and has a son who lives in London. He asked me to write an email to his sons school become he had a nightmare and had bad feeling about it. But can’t email because it isn’t secure. But when I asked questions about what to write in the email it was weird. He says moves to Canada when he was 3 but his English is a little off too. He says he loves me and wants to get married already. And gets upset when I tell him I don’t love him It’s been about a week. But I don’t want to over look the little things.
Just me
June 06, 2020

In reply to by Paigenc16

Is there a way we could change photos of this man. The story’s are similar Thanks
Don't use your…
August 11, 2020

In reply to by mkay

Talking to Christopher Morrison and all tou say is eerily familiar.
runner-almost …
June 13, 2020

In reply to by Hanna

so I met this guy on Instagram.. I have my account only for running purposes but first he said he was interested on me then I told him dude I am not looking for anything.. then he says he wants to be my friend.. yes sure what strikes me is similar story to your.. he is a doctor, from turkey working on a contract for UN, good looking nice tan. So he asked me for my email I said I don't have time for that.. two days later account disappears.. he blocks me.. then I blocked him .. fishy
Minnie
August 17, 2020

In reply to by runner-almost …

Is he living in London? Have asked you to marry him? What’s is his name? It would be to much coincidence.
Return to top