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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.

Violet Shy
November 12, 2017
If he asks to chat off the site right away. If he's conveniently in another country far a way. If he's a widow (wife usually died of cancer for sympathy.) If he's a doctor, interior designer, or some other impressive service related for the UN or the military. He's fake!!! Sad but true. You are not randomly going to hit the boyfriend jackpot online. Sorry.
Chio 116
November 13, 2017
I got scammed by a guy that i met in Facebook,he sent me a friend request he said that he is an army general in Syria, his name is James Martins Andrew, he sent me romantic message,he was looking for a soulmate and that one is me, he got deployed to Afghanistan but before he sent a luggage with documents and money for buying our house, i got to sent money 11000 dollars to paid the customs and still want more money, he supposed to come to the USA in December but i need to pay for the luggage the rest of the money 10150 dollars i told him that i don’t have it, he got mad and now he is not coming until next December 2018, but he can’t break my heart so I need to believe on him, he has few different accounts with the same picture, he cannot send money or talk over the phone
Lulu
November 13, 2017

In reply to by Chio 116

Please Chio ... I know it will break your heart but it is better to have a broken heart and not a broken bank account or give away everything you have for a pipe dream. This army general James Martins Andrew, is a scammer. If you have sent the 11000 dollars already, it is lost. Please do not send any further money thinking you might recoup something. It is best to stop all communication with the scammer before he has you accepting items or funds from other people he has scammed which can cause you legal problems. It is hard to believe, but ask yourself ... are you able to contact customs directly and not just a person "Mr Andrew" has put you in touch with?? Call the customs office directly and ask them about the situation or contact the embassy. They will confirm this is all a scam. FYI an army general makes plenty of money and wouldn't ask a woman for money and an army general CAN talk on the phone. He just doesn't want you to hear his accent. I'm really sorry you have been scammed.
Cailin47
November 13, 2019

In reply to by Chio 116

I was contacted on Instagram by someone alleging to be a Army E-9 named James Martins. I was immediately suspicious. Cannot verify that he is actually in the Army and when I informed him I was retired law enforcement, he stopped messaging me. I confronted him about his identity but he will not reply to that...just romantic crap.
LLP
November 13, 2017
I think they contact people through Twitter and Instagram too, not just dating sites. They immediately start off by telling you that they are widowed for some or the other reason and looking for love. Be careful people!!!
Oregon
November 15, 2017

In reply to by LLP

Yes, be careful! They start by follow. LOOK at THEIR followers! They are ALL victims! Then, they send you innocent direct message "hi". Stolen photo of some guy they scammed also, by pretending to be sexy young female. So, if you are a female on Twitter, they target 50-60 yrs. old, pretending to be widower a little younger, about 42-44, with 1 or 2 kids. They also steal kid's identities. If their target victim is male, they pretend to be 29 year old UNICEF nurse stuck in Africa, using false i.d. pics of foreign porno actresses, so they don't get discovered. In all cases, the scammers really are young men from Ghana, Nigeria, Malaysia, Turkey. They reuse the false identities over and over, changing name, and crafting story line. You weren't looking for love, but their lies will draw you in, as a mind/heart manipulation. They see nothing at all wrong with this. Even worse, the people whose identities stolen, are usually guilty of something, so they blackmail them. Goes on and on. But, then you realize which ones are fake, when you get new followers, and block them, and thank God you learned about all this corrupt evil online. The scammers are at least 8 million strong, do not believe their lies!
Wonder Woman
March 08, 2018

In reply to by LLP

Yes they come to me through Instagram and Messenger. Always widowed to get our sympathy.
Beege
November 13, 2017
A man name Hugh Jorgensen who claims to be from the UK Edinburgh and stays in Aberdeen sent me naked and explicit messages. Romancing me from the start telling me he wanted to marry me. Talking about honeymooning, coming up to see me and moved closer to me. Most of the women on his Facebook page were getting suspicious when I warned them. He even blocked one of them after he found out she was talking to me about him. He eventually blocked me too, coincidence after writing I adore you and ILY for I love you so many times. He made it clear he is into bdsm, kinky sex, and even joked about me getting handcuffs and other sex toys when he comes to visit in November. I have proof from private investigator in the UK that he might be a scammer and they don't exist.
Brokenhearted …
November 13, 2017
Lorenza R Da Silva is a scammer. I met him through Facebook and he stole my hear right away when he told me he was an italian serving the US military in Iraq. We had plans to meet and we were going to take a vacation to Italy. I was so in love until he started asking me for money. Small amounts at first but then the amounts began to exceed $1000 at a time. He was in trouble and needed money but military restrictions woulsnt allow him to tell me why. Eventally after i shelled out more than $5000 to save him he just disappeared. He is stll active on Facebook, women beware!!
marea116
November 14, 2017
I got a friend request in Facebook by an army general deployed in Syria,right away he started talking to me about how good he feels since starting talking to me he was widowed with 2nkids, after weeks of chatting he got transferred to Afghanistan,he told me that before he moved he is going to send a luggage with important documents and money for buying our house because he was coming in December, he sent it with a diplomatic carrier, in Indonesia the Carr had to paid for a permit to be under my name ,he asked for 3000 dls, that my husband as he called himself wasn’t unable to paid because the relations between USA and Afghanistan, then the carrier had to paid 1000 for expenses, another 3000 for customs permit to bring the luggage to the USA without scanning, then he arrived to Georgia but the airport customs are asking for 10200 dls I told the general to paid for it when he gets here to USA but now he is not coming until next December 2018
Ain't gonna fool me
November 16, 2017
I'm getting "scammed" right now. I decided I'm gonna scam him first. He asked me to marry him after talking for 2 days, i said yes and asked him to send me the ring lol, then told him i was low on cash this week and asked if he could send me money for gas...lol. he is a widow with a teenage son, he is in another state on business, and he's a personal trainer lol, I'm curious how much longer he'll talk to me now lol!
Oregon
November 21, 2017

In reply to by Ain't gonna fool me

Love letter after only 2 days? Must be the record. Good job, lol. Mine offered to pay for my internet, the one and only time he answered his (now I know throw-away) cell phone. Now they can mask their phone numbers, and bug you that way. So, I recorded my out message in another language. Try it, they never leave annoying messages! Keep up the good work!
midnighttulip
November 24, 2017

In reply to by Ain't gonna fool me

I love what you did I am sitting here laughing out loud!!! GO GET'EM!!! I have been scammed
Wonder Woman
March 08, 2018

In reply to by Ain't gonna fool me

Mine offered to buy me the motorcycle I have my eye on lol.
Wondering!
November 17, 2017
I met a guy on Tagged. We have been talking for awhile now. He is from Nigeria. I even saw him on a video chat. But he asked me to send money for traditional recognition that the bride to be has to pay the elders. Without a lot of thought I sent $100 which is what he said was the price in American money. Now he says the elders said I didn't pay the whole recognition price and an additional $162 is due. My feelers are up all over the place. I'm so confused. I have tried to find information on line about this tradition to no avail. He claims to be from the IBO tribe and lives in Anambra State. I don't believe him now. Have you heard any such tradition to be true? Please help with an answer asap!
FTC Staff
November 22, 2017

In reply to by Wondering!

When you meet someone online, you can't know who they really are. A scammer may ask you to send money for work emergencies, or their families, or for other reasons. If you send money once, they may ask you to send money again.  You can't know how the money is really being used.

Oregon
November 27, 2017

In reply to by Wondering!

Dear lady, please cut off all communication with this fellow! Con men are expert at combining lies with partial truth, to be more believable. So, he likely is truly in Nigeria, but it is Not true you need to pay fees or dowry to his tribe. Please be strong, allow yourself to cry if need be, but do not get drawn back in! I implore you to report if you have already sent any more by wire. I am So sorry, but this is a group you are corresponding with, not a single man of honor. Please be strong, because when you stop, they will feign anger, disappointment, and fake suffering. Untrue, all lies, manipulators, sorry!
BLMDHC
November 18, 2017
Met a man on Instagram named Robin Ordaz Doe, Captain in the Army stationed in Kabul, Afghanstain. Said he was from Omaha, Nebraska. Widower, wife died in a car accident and with a son, Phil, 11 y/o in boarding school, mother 88 y/o and she has a caregiver living with her. going to retire in 3 months and wanted me to wait for him. Three months went by and he didn't ask for money until the 3 months was up. Asked me to call the UN bank in the UK and give them his information to start the paper work. I fused and then he said he would go to the UK bank and give the information himself. Once he got there then he asked me to send him money, I refused and then he got mad and said I was a liar. After reading sites like this one , I asked him questions and to send me pictures of certain things. He sent me all kinds of pictures but when I asked him to send me pictures of others sites he said he lost his phone, that he couldn't make phone calls cause he would get into trouble. He even had his so called son email me. After I confronted him, he stopped the messaging and his son stopped emailing me. This is a disgrace to our military personnel and I pray these scammers get caught. Wish I could put the pictures here to warn others.
cailin47
January 12, 2020

In reply to by BLMDHC

The same guy tried blackmailing me when I refused to send him money. He hacked my iPhone and iPad, stole photos, doctored them and tried to blackmail me.
Skyblue
November 19, 2017
Anyone met on zoosk claiming to work for world health organisation? And had emails from the office !! Asking for money for special leave
WaryForever
November 22, 2017
Hello All - Here is the latest scam attempt. A member of your dating site contacts you on behalf of a friend or cousin who 'just happened' to see your profile and marveled over your hair, your smile, your good looks. Alas, this person is not on your dating site. But, the member who is on the site decides to contact you. They tell you how wonderful their friend/cousin is and why the 2 of you should get together. They even give you the smitten persons email info and urge you to contact them. Here's the problem if you do decide to reach out: You have just given a stranger your email and possibly your phone info. When you contact this other person, you are now off the dating site, and have no recourse when this turns out badly. Let us all think carefully and be safe
pv7500
March 16, 2019

In reply to by WaryForever

I've had three such contacts lately, from Florida, Alaska, and Texas. Being a naturally suspicious sort, I've responded by asking whether the "friend" has a FB or LinkedIn account, so that I could learn something about them. So far, I've received no responses.
WaryForever
November 22, 2017
Here is the message I received just the other day: "Hello Beautiful, I apologize for breaking through your privacy with my mail. I was sharing my experience of this dating site with my Cousin while he decided we give it a try by asking me to help check for his match. We viewed so many profile until he asked me to stop by yours “with a huge smile on his face” complementing on your lovely photo, saying you have a nice smile and he loves your hair. Fortunately for him, he falls under the same age bracket to your search. His name is Danny, a very interesting, kind and handsome gentle man. He has been very supportive to me as a brother, most especially when i was seeking for a job. He lives in same state with you. You will never regret getting to know him more better. I have succeeded in finding my match and will no longer visit the site, i will be closing my account soon after I get this message across to you.Here is his email address: =====@gmail.com , I urge you to email him. It will be a test of your fate and I hope you pass this test. You never can tell where love comes from.I bet you, you will thank me later. Good luck and have a good night" Stay safe everyone
Lastlaugh
February 20, 2018

Hello- This one sounds new. He states his name is Christian Buchanan, lives in Miami Florida, and is in Germany as a civil engineer on a road project. He has asked for money to help pay for a shipment, I declined. He is now asking for me to set up an acct so that he can transfer money into it. I won't do it, but I want everyone out there to be aware. He is on Facebook . From Germany. Has anyone had experience with him?

Lastlaugh
February 19, 2018

In reply to by Lastlaugh

From what I can gather, this man, Christian Buchanan is not a scammer. Please remove the last comment by last laough. Ty.
Angel
April 08, 2018

In reply to by Lastlaugh

Sounds like a scammer...please be carefull and if it’s too good to be true, unfortunately it probably is in this case. A con-artist will say and do anything to get money.
Anthony_Fredricks
December 20, 2017

I met a guy thru online. After that, we exchanged messages thru whatsapp. 4months been in contact. Video call, sending pictures and sending messages. But suddenly he vanished out of nowhere, it's almost 2 weeks now. Been checking all kinds of site to see if he's a scammer but no any trace. Is this is a scam? I haven't remember he was asking for money. He's the one who gave me three times. What should I do?

Elel
November 24, 2017
Anybody asking for money is scamming. I, too, was brought into this "online love" thing by a Nigerian scammer and called him out on it. After months of back and forths, he finally admitted to me it's all about getting money out of people. We actually became friends and I know he's still doing it. I've been on live video chats and sat and watched him while he's doing it. This is what they do there. There's nothing for them after schooling, so they do what they have to do to survive. PLEASE PLEASE do not send money to them. You won't see any of it back and whatever they promise you will never come true.
Molly
November 25, 2017
Has anyone here met a Brad Johnson. Says he is a supervisor with Noble Drilling. Has a 17 year old daughter. Says he is from Tennessee but was living in CA. He has a very distinct accent...almost Australian.
Pretty822
November 25, 2017
There was this guy by the name of Dr.Kojo Osbourne suppose to be working with a BP oil masek company then says he is a vein Dr.! Working as a Dr.on the ship..Anyway about for 3 months all he talks about having quick romance without ever meeting him then this week starts talking about an iPad tune card! I declined and decided to block him.I couldnt find any name that match him as being a vein doctor he has a 16 year old son and claims to live in Virgina but i think he is in Fla or Texas.He has an accent and wants to chat on Whatsapp 24/7
Bev
November 29, 2017
Does anyone know Bryan Packer Brochu suppose to be in Scotland UK.Has a son in boarding school and wife died. He loves me wants to come here and cannot get his pay until I pay 22,000 then he will pay me back. lives in California a independent contractor
Ruth
January 21, 2018

In reply to by Bev

Hello are you still talking to him? I have been talking to him since Aug/17.he too tells me he loves me and wants to come here and marry me.
Allen
December 01, 2017

Pls Don't believe it is scam I got This mail

KINGSTON FARMS AND FOODS PRODUCTION LTD CANADA City Place II 1473 John Counter Blvd, Suite 101 Kingston, Ontario K7M 8Z6,Canada, Tel/+16474861795.,,,,,,,,......

Dear Applicant, Your interest to join the company is accepted, your services will be of advantages to the company , therefore we need some certain documents from you, to enable management grant you job offer approval for further processing of the required work travel documents(Work Permit Visa/LMIA) here in Canada,in line with the employment status.

Note: all Nationalities are requested to forward us the below documents by email in not later than three working days.

1. Your medical report issued in the year 2017, showing to us that you are not sick person infected by malaria or fever frequently ,you can visit any of the clinic or hospital where you obtain the issued result test. 2. Your nationality identification card scan copy or any valid identity card, provided is valid.. 3. Your passport Scan copy and one passport photo size by email attachment. Immediately we received these above stated documents by email from you, we will forward you the Employment Entry Form and Company Agreement Form to fill in and sign.

Jobs Opening from KINGSTON FARMS AND FOODS PRODUCTION LTD CANADA . KINGSTON FARMS AND FOODS PRODUCTION LTD industry development today have contributed greater impact to the welfare of the entire nations across the global regions of the world; Maritime , Dive instructors,Scientist, Economics, Agriculturist researcher and industrialist have made contributing effort towards further enhancement of companies today. In KINGSTON FARMS AND FOODS PRODUCTION LTD CANADA became the most developed and enlarge scale in Canada , of which it has maintain balance scale measure in both area of, Dive instructors ,sea water jobs , Dairy farming , Milk production and Health re habitation centers .

(1). PROFESSIONAL WORKERS SALARY INCOME STATUS. WORK HOURS PER DAY (8 HOURS) PAID RATE: ($24 CANADA DOLLARS PER HOUR) FOR PROFESSIONAL WORKERS. WEEKLY SALARY GROSS INCOME EARNED :( $1,152 CAD) EXCLUDING 6.2% TAX DEDUCTION: $71 CAD. WEEKLY NET INCOME SALARY EARNED: ($1,081 CAD). MONTHLY NET INCOME SALARY INCOME EARNED BY PROFESSIONALS IN ANY FIELD OF STUDIES: ($4,324 CAD). YEARLY EARNED NET INCOME SALARY :( $51,888 CAD). COMPANY BENEFITS: HOUSING/HOSPITALITY ALLOWANCES AND GRATUITY RATE 8% PER YEARLY EARNED NET INCOME SALARY: ($4,151 CAD). EMPLOYEE GRATUITY RATE IS TO BE PAID WHEN CONTRACT DURATION SIGNED WITH THE COMPANY IS EXPIRED. DURATION OF CONTRACT: 1 T0 20 YEARS. (2). NON PROFESSIONAL WORKERS SALARY INCOME STATUS. WORK HOURS PER DAY (8 HOURS) PAID RATE: ($17 CANADA DOLLARS PER HOUR) FOR NON PROFESSIONAL WORKERS. WEEKLY SALARY GROSS INCOME EARNED :( $816 CAD) EXCLUDING 4.6% TAX DEDUCTION: $38 CAD. WEEKLY NET INCOME SALARY EARNED: ($799 CAD). MONTHLY NET INCOME SALARY INCOME EARNED BY NON PROFESSIONALS IN ANY FIELD OF STUDIES: ($3,292 CAD). YEARLY EARNED NET INCOME SALARY :( $39,504CAD). COMPANY BENEFITS: HOUSING/HOSPITALITY ALLOWANCES AND GRATUITY RATE 5.3% PER YEARLY EARNED NET INCOME SALARY: ($2,093 CAD). EMPLOYEE GRATUITY RATE IS TO BE PAID WHEN CONTRACT DURATION SIGNED WITH THE COMPANY IS EXPIRED. DURATION OF CONTRACT: 1 T0 20 YEARS. (3). UNSKILLED WORKERS (MAN POWER SOURCES) WITHOUT CERTIFICATE OF ANY KIND. WORK HOURS PER DAY (8 HOURS) PAID RATE: ($13 CANADA DOLLARS PER HOUR) FOR PROFESSIONAL WORKERS. WEEKLY SALARY GROSS INCOME EARNED :( $624 CAD) EXCLUDING 4.1% TAX DEDUCTION: $26 CAD. WEEKLY NET INCOME SALARY EARNED: ($598 CAD). MONTHLY NET INCOME SALARY INCOME EARNED BY UNSKILLED WORKERS: ($2,392 CAD). YEARLY EARNED NET INCOME SALARY :( $1,206 CAD). COMPANY BENEFITS: HOUSING/HOSPITALITY ALLOWANCES AND GRATUITY RATE 4.2% PER YEARLY EARNED NET INCOME SALARY: ($2,093 CAD). EMPLOYEE GRATUITY RATE IS TO BE PAID WHEN CONTRACT DURATION SIGNED WITH THE COMPANY IS EXPIRED. DURATION OF CONTRACT: 1 T0 20 YEARS.

Below are the Terms and Condition of the company: 1. Applicants are only responsible for the required charge fees for obtaining their Work Permit Visa and the required DHL Express Delivery Service charge fee that will be used to post his or her Work travel documents(work permit visa) including the air plane ticket to his or her stated home or office postal address.

Company Responsibilities: 1. KINGSTON FARMS AND FOODS PRODUCTION LTD CANADA is responsible for the provision of housing allowance, car allowances and hospitality. 2. Provision of free air plane ticket (to and from) to all approved applicants whose work permit visa have been confirmed issued. 3. Gratuity and salary packages. 4. Loan grant (this is applicable to only employee who have work with the company for a period of six months and above are only entitle for loan). 5.One day off day at of the days in the week.

Note: Work Permit Visa will be processed and issued here in Canada upon approved, provided the applicant in question follow up the instructed procedures if only Applicant paid the processing fee charges, they will received their Work Permit Visa and air plane ticket through posted through courier service (DHL express delivery) to his or her stated home or office address. Best Regards, Mrs.Rita Scott, HRM.

ScamBuster
December 01, 2017
I have run into a number of catfish via the more popular dating sites (e.g., Tinder, Plenty of Fish, OKCupid) and want to list the names of individuals (at least the names they used with me) whom I found to be catfish - they are Lewis Lee Scott, Lee Renfrow Doak, Andrei Cossack, Antonio de Cassano, Stefano Marcelli, Dennis Purvis, Jones Williams, Roberto Mancini, David Nixon and Williams Taylor (the last two were allegedly military stationed overseas). So, if you run into anyone by these names, be forewarned that they are catfish. I have pictures for most of them. Their scams are all pretty much the same theme - meet online, fall in love within the first week, agree to meet but leave the country before then for some contract/reason and then something arises for which they need money/goods sent to them in order for them to come back and meet.
Oregon
December 02, 2017

In reply to by ScamBuster

They are not only the same theme, these groups share scripts! The first one who starts by typing "hi" as direct message, continues seemingly normal conversation for a few days, nothing hot and heavy. Then that fraud "tells" you about himself. Again, a combination story, made up of part of the attractive person's identity they are using, and the common thread of "widower, with one or two kids". Self employed contractor, or oil broker or in military. Ugh, so obvious now, but if you weren't on dating site, and not looking for, or expecting direct message, they pull you in. Then, invite you to switch to viber, whatsapp, email, etc. Then, you are subjected to someone without much mastery of the English language. Totally different person, although I can barely refer to this creature as a person. Ugh. Laughable excuses why no webcam or skype, by now its been a few weeks of their incessant texts, and you are believing their half-truths, because you want to think best of people. Don't. These are CRIMINALS. Con-men, and they will slowly take your life savings, home, etc. Just read the sad letters here, these scum are legion, they are rampant, and only you can stop them, by stopping yourself. Do NOT reply. DO BLOCK Anyone immediately that sends you a "hi", and he has no normal tweets or posts (fb) or pictures (instagram) especially a locked "private" account. Just DON'T enter in to any conversation at all! Only talk to your real friends, people you really know. Please save yourself this heartache, stopping before it starts is the only way.
ForReal
August 18, 2020

In reply to by ScamBuster

I have been talking with an Andrei Cossack. I am wondering what information you have on him since you say he is a catfish? I have several photos, maybe we can compare notes?
too good to be true
December 02, 2017
Hi I was on instagram and was posting my pictures and quotes.. and a guy named Eric dranoff send me a few likes, then he messaged me to say how beautifulI was,we messaged each other for 1 month, i asked him questions. apparently he is 49years old, he is a petroleum geologist, and a widowerer, and has one son named Hamilton, he even sent me a picture of his son waving!! and also told me he lives in Boston, NY.. he would dend me romantic poems every day.. like this one: true love isnt about waking up together every mornin, its dreaming together that one day we will be together for the rest of our lives, we may not be together today,but we will do everything to make this dream come true,, good morning darling.. every morning with new poems.. i actually that he was a poet or something, he always sent me texts during the middle of the day asking; How I was,, and lways thinking of me.. and that he wanted to meet me.. and was reassuring me that he wanted a long term relationship and wanted to have a family.. he also said he was a orphan that his parents died in a car crash when he was a teenager, and that he was alone with his son, but he said he was a petroleum geologist, he travelled alot.He said he was orginally from Malta, Gonzo, a beautiful island. he said he had a trip to go to in Alaska, then he would come to montreal for one week and be with me.. he also said he wanted to buy a car for me.. so a few days ago actually, he sent me this text message saying been thinking of you cant wait to see you in the next few days.. wanted you to help me get something baby,, ASAP.. he asked please help him get a APPLE ITUNE gift card from the store,,i said what? for what? he said he wanted it for his Macbook to top his account to make transactions. for $50-$100 then i would have to scratch the card and give him the digets.. I thought it was really odd... itold him that i couldnt help him and then he went from nice to rude.. i told him whoa, i think your a scammer,, i watch the news and this thing happens,, itold him if he had a great job and money he could make it happen himself.. he said do i look like a poor dude to you, and that would give you an excuse for not coming to montreal!! you pissed me off!!so disappointed in your thinking!! overnight i thought and said ok, well, goodbye the next morning he sent me another romantic poem,, saying he was counting down to see me.. and blew kisses..then asked about the card again,, i didnt reply at all, then 3 text messages appered showing thats not nice, IM DAMN ANGRY WITH YOU!! i didnt even answer his question.. he said he couldnt rely on me and my trust,he said i had to treat him better first, i told him listen your voice threw me off when you called me,, and the reception was always poor,, even when he said he was in NY!!! I TOLD HIM ENOUGH!! i said i deserve a real man.. and not a scam artist,, I told him that I was blocking him!! so i just did this today!! What a fool I was!! lucky i didnt send him any money!! so if you are on instagram and you get a message from Eric Dranoff.. just ignore it ladies.. Thank you!! all be safe!! love yourself first!! :)
Candy1953
December 02, 2017
Does anybody know a Dave Herrick. Heartbreaker, romancer. Wants Itunes cards and other stuff.
Ebenso01
June 06, 2018

In reply to by Candy1953

Candy is this David herrick claiming to be in the military ????? I have a friends mom who’s talking to one now and tricking and using her...
DONT
January 19, 2018
DONT GO ON SITE ERIC-DROP.top !!!
tonyme
December 03, 2017
anybody able to comment--friend in her 70s has meet a doctor online-swedish-works for un-wife and daughter died in car crash--son at boarding school--dont know how long she been talking to him--but she e-mailed him her pasport and other private informtion--now she believes they are getting married--any info would be appreciated
FTC Staff
December 05, 2017

In reply to by tonyme

Your friend is putting herself at risk when she shares personal information with someone she doesn't really know. That person can use her passport and other personal information to commit identity theft. He could open credit card accounts, take loans or create identity documents with her information.

If she believes his stories about getting married, it could be hard to explain this is probably a scam. The FBI recorded an interview with a woman who was tricked by a romance scammer; maybe your friend would listen to this interview.

There's also an short audio interview about romance scams with FBI Special Agent Christine Beining. You or your friend could listen to that to learn how the scammers work.

victimshubby
December 04, 2017
Scammer using profile named john lee grattan. uses romance and sends a fake Barclays card.woo's woman from morning till night.active on Instagram, and changed to elma de kock on facebook. active on skype also.
Amanda
December 04, 2017
My mom met a guy on the Plenty of Fish dating site. He said his name was Jim Morgan and that he was an engineer working for himself. He said that he travels around the world for his job. He asked my mom to email him pictures at briancox 2930 @ and then they were texting back and forth. his cell number is 587-408-8931. He said he lived in Red Deer Alberta. Then suddenly this morning he asked my mom for 3 $100 iTunes cards, and then proceeded to tell her that he needs $5000 for his mortgage payment. I told my mom to delete his number and forget about POF. How frustrating that is for internet newbies. The world is a scary place!
Lorraine
December 05, 2017
I have one the name is John R.J. Nicholson, he claims to be a 4 star general in the U.S. army. He has 22 profiles I could find. He tried to befriend me, someone else the day before. He is in Africa be it Ghana or Kenya. If you check out the friends list and scroll on top of every name you will find a fake buisness card. There is network of them all over the world and are bragging about duping facebook on many comments. Many cards on top of names are asking for donations, some are promoting Islam so I do not know what I stumbled into but be aware, check profiles and friends lists for yourself, do not accept a request from someone who will say who they are or location e.t.c. not safe out there anymore...
Tinker7
December 05, 2017
I was contacted by 3 different men through Words With Friends...not a dating site. All 3 started chatting, soon professed their love for me, then asked for money either directly or through an agent arrangement. Their names were Benjamin Scott, Scott Balfour & Jason Wilder. Has anyone else been approached by these men? They all sent me photos & asked for some from me, which I declined, of course.
Sadnfrustrated
December 05, 2017

In reply to by Tinker7

I'm just sick reading all of this. I'm so heartbroken myself. But see in all these people being robbed of something more precious than money and the emotional damage...
Sadnfrustrated
December 19, 2017
I'm not sure if I was scammed or perhaps in denial. He was sooo sweet and kind. We talked or texted all day, everyday. I must admit that I am heartbroken... So here's the story...We met on a dating app. He had to return to Lebanon for business. Supposedly needed to go to Turkey where he was robbed and his passport held,hostage. He needed $$. Then money for a train trip back to Lebanon. Then my account info (wasn't happening ever) to get paid for his business because he was selling it to someone from Canada. Then the iTunes card. He tgen stated someone bought him a ticket to Spain since I wouldn't buy a ticker back to the U.S. While there he had a legal issue and needed 5k or he would be deported to Syria, his birth place and what's on his passport. I didn't. So he said he was deported. A lady who he said was helping him...claimed to pay 2k so he would not have to go to jail. In Syria he needed money to bribe the soldiers. I didn't. So he threatened me with he was returning to Spain to be with a woman who was buying his airline ticket. He continued to text me via Viber. Finally after 10 montgs of all of this I agreed to srnd 450 via MG for a flight to the U.S. He didn't contact me and when I did and asked for an explanation. He just said tgere is one and has cut all communication off. I find it hard to believe that he would spend soooo much time and effort for so little money.