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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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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
  • We won’t post comments that include vulgar messages, personal attacks by name, or offensive terms that target specific people or groups.
  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

Don'tSend$$$
September 01, 2020

In reply to by Cyn

Yes wife cheated with best friend & took all his money. Has one daughter. Love bombs you with messages & songs morning, noon & night. They are master manipulators & have an answer for everything! Block & delete. Its all lies & a scam
Poor Mom
September 03, 2020

In reply to by Don'tSend$$$

Samiar story Songs morning, evenings Did you eat breakfast What time you’ll have dinner All the time to chat So hurt and heartbroken
Mollgirl
September 10, 2020

In reply to by Poor Mom

Sounds similar to my guy. Donald Mark . The YouTube songs asking if I have eaten. Tells me how much he loves me wants to be a family with me and his 12 yr. old daughter who is in the U.K. at a boarding school because his wife died 4 years ago and he has to travel for work. Very handsome we talked on phone. I saw him on video it was the same person in the pictures. Engineer in Madrid has a contract in Holland get to Holland and his phone doesn’t work right wants me to send him Steam gift card. Of course I said no.
Confused
October 31, 2020

In reply to by Mollgirl

Hello is anyone been talking to someone named Gabriel Linds? Claims to working on oil rig . 2 kids widow. Has not asked for any money we text early morning then he’s off to work he checks in at lunch and after work then calls every night before bed. Has pictures. I want to believe he is telling truth if you have heard of him please share so I can stop this now if he’s a scammer
KaraMaria
November 11, 2020

In reply to by Confused

I met a guy thru a game said he's from Florida and works on an oil rig on gulf of Mexico widowed and had two sons. We have been communicating by email on hangout and after a month ask me for a $1000 dollars I told him I didn't have it he got angry. He said how can I be his woman as and not help him. I said I don't give men money. He stopped emailing me got another two weeks then he started again. This time he apologized and said he loved me and ask for $100 I told him no and he sounded like a romance scammer. Haven't heard anything yet he said that this afternoon and I ended the conversation. Not sure what he's gonna do. His job on the rig is suppose to end in December.
Hurt but caught on
December 15, 2020

In reply to by Confused

Hi, I haven't heard of the specific name however I can tell you these scammers have pretty much the same MO. Their divorced or widower with 1 or more children. They will text early morning ask you how ur night was, more is....they love you and miss you so much. They change their name and location most have two profiles on different dating sites. They use apps to get different phone numbers, they allocate to that name. They have great jobs, million $contracts then get equipped break and will ask you to help especially if you're committed to the relationship. Beware they're scripts, they change their stories a bit believing no one will figure them out. You can see articles and pics of scammers on the net . I was heartbroken but luckily caught on and didn't give in to requests for money. They will tell you what you want to hear. DONT send money my scammer stop contacting me after I refused to help. So much for loving me soooooo much. After that I saw his profile 5 times different names and location, they just move on to the next.trust me they talk to multiple women in 1 day you think they are at work or in meetings busy when they dont talk to you. I did my homework never again will I fall for the fast loving words etc . I know it hurts deeply as we all want love but these guys know it and will say anything. Pls be alert to the red flags I almost ignored mine as I didnt want to accept the lies .
gotscammed
December 22, 2020

In reply to by Hurt but caught on

Sounds like my guy, he goes by the name of Wesley Lewis Park
Pineapple 64
January 04, 2021

In reply to by Hurt but caught on

Omg . Your story is identical to mine he rings me at 6am hue was your night? Have you eaten breakfast He’s a surgeon but has been sent to Yemen ive lost £6,000 to him . But he was so charming and good looking . I’ve been such an idiot
Travel 2021
February 22, 2021

In reply to by Pineapple 64

Sounds like someone I met is he originally from Yemen?? Has a 4 year old son and a widower?
klara63
July 20, 2021

In reply to by Pineapple 64

"Surgeon " Magnus Bjornsson, stationed in Yemen, 5 year contract needs to get out..requires 3600usd..because he can't reach his several million us. Smooth talking, good looking..sound familiar?
UM
August 17, 2021

In reply to by klara63

Similar story, Dr. stationed on a military base in Germany. Needs $2,000 because he can't access his millions.
klara63
July 20, 2021

In reply to by Pineapple 64

"Surgeon " Magnus Bjornsson, stationed in Yemen, 5 year contract needs to get out..requires 3600usd..because he can't reach his several million us. Smooth talking, good looking..sound familiar?
Puppyeyes
September 28, 2021

In reply to by Pineapple 64

I have the same experience ongoing today. He said he's a single dad from san franciso. Currently stationed in yemen for 4yrs now as an orthopedic doctor and that he's gonna end his contract in 3 months. I searched his name and designation as a doctor in san francisco but there was none.
Whatsup
December 21, 2020

In reply to by Confused

He is def a scammer. I haven been texting with a man for 10 months and did send money unfortunately. He started asking for more and more and the story got more and more cray. The scammer uses pictures of good looking men and butter you all up with their sweet talk. Dont fall for it please!
G-wale
December 31, 2020

In reply to by Confused

I've been chatting to some Gabriel. I'm not sure if he's the same guy. He claims to have 2 kids but was divorced 4 years ago. He says he's from Belgium and works as an engineer contractor for British Petroleum. Do you have his pictures?
Hurt
March 25, 2021

In reply to by G-wale

Is his last name Linds? Really good looking, grey hair, dark eyes and 6'2?
Hugzel
July 07, 2021

In reply to by Hurt

Do you have a photo I have been talking to someone but not that name he told me he couldnt log into bank and would I do it I couldnt do it and not not talking to me
Hurt
March 25, 2021

In reply to by Confused

I am currently talking with a Gabriel Linds. He says he is London trying to get a contact with Shell. Do you have pictures? Contact me please.
Dolly
November 14, 2020

In reply to by Mollgirl

This guy is also trying to scam people by selling non-existent puppies on Facebook :0 ... They'll try anything!
Hurt real bad
December 06, 2020

In reply to by Mollgirl

Is there anyway you can send me a picture of the guy you was talking to cause this might be the same one. I had almost killed my self over this guy please help me .
Illinoisgirl
January 13, 2021

In reply to by Mollgirl

Think this is the same guy who been talking with me . But said he’s in Norway has daughter 9 with grandma asked for stem cards or eBay cards ... do you have a pic ?
Jaime segar
April 03, 2021

In reply to by Mollgirl

He sounds like a man Christopher who just up n moved to Africa overbite. We talked maybe 3wks n he said he n his daughter would stay the wkenf first but then that happened for his job. He lost luggage n laptop, phone ,lotsa money, etc. You. Love me you have to help me
Curious
July 21, 2021

In reply to by Jaime segar

Christopher what? And from where?
Lola
December 07, 2020

In reply to by Don'tSend$$$

I’m talking to a guy in Delaware his name is Harris Walter . After two weeks he texted me to tell me his only daughter died , he doesn’t know what to do. His ex wife cheated on him his parents died . They are all liars and scammers
nattycatt
September 17, 2020

In reply to by Ginger

I think it's the same guy told me very similar story. My guy's name is Jefferey Forsberg. He claimed to be a Swedish Architect from Sweden stuck in Turkey because he couldn't pay fines. Total scammer. If you have the same story you can e-mail me at nattycatt@gmail.com
Cindy
November 12, 2020

In reply to by nattycatt

Hi I have been chatting with an American Chinese guy with a Nigerian accent, photos that he sent was in his 60's, claimed to me an offshore oil rig engineer. His name is Richard. Anyone heard about this guy. Has recently requested for $9500 to be transfered to a company's bank account.
Loveblind
December 15, 2020

In reply to by Cindy

Hi! Is he contract at Istanbul turkey, and he is from California , San Jose . I been chatting with him for 3 months. And now he said his equipment is broke down,and his bank is suspended so he need help for a money asking me to send money , you have his photos can you send to me
JLC
January 28, 2021

In reply to by Loveblind

I was talking to a guy named Franklin. He said he was a logger in Canada and his equipment broke also. Did he send you a picture
Lovebird
February 16, 2021

In reply to by Loveblind

Same here. He is about to fly to turkey. Lives in Los Angeles. Been chatting with him for about 2 wks. He did not ask for money yet, but I am very suspicous. Pics oe pgotos would help. Thx
Slj7777
March 03, 2021

In reply to by Lovebird

Mine flew to turkey at the same time and just asked me for money. Idiot! Didn’t send him a dime. Good looking dark headed guy?
Stupidgirl
July 08, 2021

In reply to by Slj7777

Do you have any pictures of this guy? I would appreciate it thank you
Daffy duck
March 04, 2021

In reply to by Lovebird

Hi what does you guy look like ? Hair colour eyes and accent ? As I think I’ve been speaking to the same one
Daffy duck
March 07, 2021

In reply to by Lovebird

Hi what does he look like age bald or colour if hair family ect
Slj7777
March 03, 2021

In reply to by Loveblind

I think I just talked to this same guy. Good looking, dark hair?
Noname90
March 19, 2021

In reply to by Loveblind

Hello, same story he is a native of germany and grew up in U.K and has been living in canada for 1 year had to leave for turkey for a contract which was to last 2 weeks it is now 4 months and his supplies are blocked and he needs 'money
Smarten up girl
August 08, 2021

In reply to by Noname90

Hi. Yes, same story. 15 years old son. Architect. Living in Canada. Had to go to Turkey. He's still texting and calling me, so maybe we have a chance. Asked for laptops and cryptocurrency. One of the girl from this site, kitty, posted her email, so we may all contact her and share our stories. Hopefully we can get him somehow not to hurt women anymore. United we stnd.
Smarten up girl
August 10, 2021

In reply to by Noname90

Yes. I have the pictures. Tall, blue eyes, dark brown hair. Provide any email and I'll respond to you. Or write first to Nattycatt and we all can get somehow together to figure it out who this guy is and report to proper authorities.
Calistoga
August 29, 2021

In reply to by Noname90

Sounds so familiar! What is his name, may I ask? Mine is Herbert Raymond or Herbert Robert
rararara
October 27, 2021

In reply to by Loveblind

Hi, I am talking to the guy who is also in istanbul turkey and cannot and his equipment brokedown too. He says he is working with rig platform. He never takes my video call. And he says he is from los angeles and has asian look. Do you have pictures?
Donna
November 02, 2021

In reply to by Loveblind

Omg! I think I have the same guy now for 2 months, goes by Evans Michael Christiansen I have photos do you?
Anjes
December 30, 2020

In reply to by Cindy

Hi what’s his full name? Does he called himself Richard Wong? As might be same guy that’s chatting with me
J0yfull643
January 18, 2021

In reply to by Cindy

This Richard is a scammer....Pretty sure same guy same M.O...turned out to be a nigerian guy. He even sent me a facebook greeting after I had sent him money. do not continue speaking with him.
Anjes
March 09, 2021

In reply to by J0yfull643

Hi. That Guy Richard is his Surname Wong? Do you have a photo? Is he an Asian guy, wears glasses? Works as an oil driller in Saudi Arabia as he claims. Asked me to $3000 so he will get paid . Now I’m confused we talked on a daily basis for quite sometime now. We exchange messages but when I asked him to FaceTime me he comes up with an excuses that phone are not allowed in the rig he’s just taking a risk on a daily basis to message & calls me.
Mari
March 15, 2021

In reply to by Anjes

I am texting the same one, Richard Wong? Very handsome and charming guy. He is in Yemen as a surgeon. He requested through Facebook month ago. Wow! I am idiot.
Anjes
March 16, 2021

In reply to by Mari

Hi Mari.. does he wear eye glass? Do you have pictures of him? Maybe we can exchange photos to see if we’re chatting to the same man. Please how do I I contact you? Is he still in touch with you?? He is a big time manipulated liar and a scammer .
Elsa
March 21, 2021

In reply to by Anjes

I'm also in contact with an Asian guy with glasses he said he is a military assigned in an oil rig in Ireland and has same reasons as yours why we cannot facetime or have voicecalls. He calls himself Jeff Chin has 1 son 13yrs old name Owen
Anjes
March 10, 2021

In reply to by J0yfull643

What’s the surname of the guy? Was it Richard Wong? He already scam me and asking for more.
Mslittlesunshine
April 13, 2021

In reply to by J0yfull643

Hello, I believe I'm speaking to him. Can you please exchange info so I can see if it's the same man? Thank you