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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.

Barbarathebelle
May 24, 2019

In reply to by bass

This name was used by John Bogdan who is also a scammer and works on the same oilrig. Perhaps they are working together.
Kate
May 03, 2019
I just found out I was scammed too, guys. I feel just terrible. I lost about 30K and have several loans to pay. And he met me on FB, switched to Hangouts in a few days and after to WhatsApp. He told me he is in Syria, in Peacekeeping mission. How fool I was, i google it and there is no such a mission now (since 2012 to be clear), told him this but he replied that he is a contractor to UN, orthopedic in Aleppo. Started to call me my love, baby, etc. Asked for help and I took first loan to pay for his vacation certificate, it was just a beginning. His FB page is owned by another person at the moment. He promised a lot. And I received text messages from his colleague that he is ill (he told me he started feeling bad) and even in coma and need to be transported our of Syria. And I paid because that seems so true. And Ive got another text from some lady from UN (dont know who she/he is; and email is on yahoo.com) and he is currently in Homs and could not reach Damascus airport due to rebel gangs who asked for money. So, feel terrible...With a lot of loans to pay..I am well educated woman and feel so fool now..
Neveragain!
May 27, 2019

In reply to by Kate

Kate, you are not alone! I too have just found out that I have been scammed by someone posing as a soldier based in Syria. He told me was on a peace keeping mission in aleppo. Your situation mirrors mine in so many ways. I feel foolish, ashamed and embarrassed, not to mention raging with anger. I thought i was a pretty level headed woman who thought this would never happen to me! Ive lost about the same amount as you and now im totally broke. It will take a long time to get over this but i will. No way is that lying scumbag getting the better of me. I will certainly never fall for this again
Dmail address
October 06, 2020

In reply to by Kate

Hi, Same thing happened to me, but I got out before sending money to him. Blocked him everywhere Says he’s a Marine Staff Sergeant James Wilson Zornes
DSun
October 06, 2020

In reply to by Kate

Same thing almost happened to me before I realized I was being taken...goes by Marine Staff Sergeant James Wilson Zornes
MLDT
May 03, 2019
I met a guy in a dating app and said that he is working in an Oil Rig. He said that he is from Texas USA, single, never married nor have any kids. He said he wanted to invest here in my country by buying property and start a life with me as a fiancee. We talk on the phone almost 3-4 times a week and said that he is willing to send me money to buy 2 bedroom condo and a new car. He asked if I have a bank account and said that he will send me money before he go to spain for 3 months work. I know that there are a lot of scammer in the world but I still gave him my bank account number that only have $1 and has no maintaining balance too be safe since I'm not using that account. The night before he left for spain, he called me and asked if his bank tried to call me or email me, I said no, not yet. He said that he ordered his bank to send me 500G and the bank will contact me to verify my information to make sure his money is also secured to avoid being scammed too. Today I received an email from the CEO of NELZ BANK PLC but the email was in my junk makl. In the email, the CEO IS asking me if I can send them a picture of one of my government ID and a passport ID with white back ground for verification. I tried to call/message the man that I'm chatting with but I haven't heard from him for almost a week now. (Well he said that he might have a problem with the phone signal in spain for 3 months so he asked me to be patient if I didn't here from him) I tried to seach for more information about the Nelz Bank Plc and the site looks legit (I think!), I also emailed them to check if the email I receivd is valid but unfortunately, I still didn't get a response. DO YOU THINK, I WAS BEING SCAMMED BY THIS OIL RIG LOVER OF MINE!? ☺️
Not getting conned
May 03, 2019
Just was talking to a "military" man who wanted i-tune card and a new iphone. Said his wife died of skin cancer, mother in law taking care of his son in the states. Wanted me to send money via Western Union because the shipment of military food was poisoned by the rebels in West Africa and he was starving.
wifegettingscammed
May 07, 2019

In reply to by Not getting conned

Is his name John Kelvin or Kelvin Cezar? Troll instagram?
Military scammers
May 15, 2019

In reply to by wifegettingscammed

No he told me his name was Brian Richard. Does troll instagram though.
Military scammers
May 03, 2019
Beware of Brian Richard aka Brianrichard360 on instagram. Handsome military pictures... He will make you fall for him, give you a sad story about his wife dying, how he has not seen his son in years...tell you he loves everything about you...looking for true love...that love is "golden" Told me the shipment of food to West Africa was just poisoned. Wants money to buy foodstuffs from locals...really? You want to buy food from the people who supposedly poisoned your food. Don't fall for his trap...I come from a military background so I laughed when he told me this.
Icehouse
May 03, 2019
If they want you to use hang outs it 99 percent it's a scam the same goes for Google Voice Google is inableling scammers Somehow this "woman" got my phone number and we have been texting for a while then all of a sudden "she" asks me to as her to my bank account and get a joint calling plan with "her". This woman is a goddess in her pictures and never in a million years would a guy like me ever have a chance with that type of woman but she swears up and down she loves me. If it seems to good to be true it usually isn't. I will never talk to anyone on hangouts or google voice again and I urge people to use caution when asked to go on hangouts
Mandy
May 03, 2019
Does anyoone know a guy named drake ????
Nm5436
May 03, 2019
Anyone familiar with a guy calling himself James Walker who claims his wife died in a car accident 4 years ago in Alabama? He's an engineer/designer now living in San Jose, CA with a daughter named Diana who attends boarding school in Italy? He hasn't asked for anything from me but it all just sounds more odd to me by the day.... Thanks everyone ~
Blacboi77
May 03, 2019
Hey! Has anyone ran across a beautiful young lady that goes by the name Alice Elizabeth Lewis. I discovered this person on Instagram. She claims that she is an American model that goes by the name of Chinese Kitty aka Taylor Hing. She has been in music rap videos of famous artists and reality TV shows.
Ninito90
July 25, 2020

In reply to by Blacboi77

Same here. I ran into Alice Elizabeth Lewis also. Claimed that she's Chinese Kitty aka Taylor Hing. I discovered this person on Instagram also. IG: alicelewis212, I told her to prove it that she's so called Taylor Hing aka Chinese Kitty. She sent me pic of her pass
Ninito90
July 25, 2020

In reply to by Blacboi77

Yeah and plus she's asking me am I looking for a relationship and all types of stuff. Never asked for any personal info or anything though
Ninito90
July 25, 2020

In reply to by Blacboi77

I actually can say it's her. First she sent a picture and then she video me because I didn't trust her. We video chatted she wants to get up with me and go out on a date and take it from there. She wants a man that she can spend her life happily with. I'm definitely on it!!!
Grace
May 03, 2019
I too was scammed from this person who call himself Zachary Geok, who ever this person is,he's just a liar and a thief and he will not getaway with it. God will punish him for his deception
Jan
September 15, 2019

In reply to by It’s happened again

Yes. He is using a different name at the moment he is Harrison Moore
It’s happened again
May 11, 2019

In reply to by Grace

Hi Grace can you tell me something about him please ? are you in the UK ?
Native women
May 04, 2019
I have a friend and she's talking to a guy name Thomas Walker, from Colorado, working on an oil rig off the coast of Alaska. and he's bribing her and sweet talking her, She thinks and believes every word he says. he's been telling her he sent gold bars and its being hale in Canada unless she pays so much, which she already paid some and now they want more which is double the amount she paid for. I'm worried because I don't want to lose her friendship it means a lot to me. what should I do? even when I bring up the truth she looks the other way. I don't want this guy to get away with this? HELP!!!
Scammed and know it
June 25, 2019

In reply to by Native women

I was in her shoes, I believed nobody when they told me that the man I loved with all my heat was just scamming me out of $125,000.00 of my life's work. She will not believe anyone cause LOVE IS BLIND I was and now IM broke. My co-worker even got the fraud unit to call me and explain that I will never see my money or this man. When we want something so bad we block out common sense especially when were in LOVE. Be gentle, talk nice and have her start reading what other women have gone thru. Just maybe it will open her eyes. I did to late.
Gstarling
May 04, 2019
Beware of man on Facebook using the names of Chris Grain and Harry Cole. A engineer from Redding, CA. He scammed a friend out of 55 thousand dollars in 16 months time.
Hoggy2018
May 04, 2019
I have been chatting to a chap who approached me on fb.His name Jimmy Zellner.Undying love after a few days.Born in Germany moved to America when he was 21.Divorced with 5 year old girl.Said he was a successful construction engineer who was working in Poltava Ukraine on road construction.Owned his own business and 3 houses in America.Went back to Boston USA for Xmas then went back to Ukraine.Said he need more equipment to finish his project but because his credit cards didn't work could I send him money to get his goods released.I couldn't see him because his camera on his phone was broken.He produced a scan of his passport and duty document Fromm Ukraine customs dept.When I didn't send money he still emailed and spoke on hangouts everyday.Then he suddenly came off fb.i don't know how to do face recognition but am convinced he is a scammer
FeelUsed
May 05, 2019
Hi everyone! I was talking almost a year on WhatsApp with handsome 60 years old man. His wife died 4 year ago in a car accident and he has a son in boarding school. Everything was fine until he asked for money telling me different sob stories. I sent several times to persons he said (not his name of course- red flag...). But finally I refused - then he told me that I am selfish, heartless lady and blocked me. I feel terrible ...
Jennyannie13
August 11, 2020

In reply to by FeelUsed

Do you have his picture? This sounds like someone I'm currently talking with but he's wanting me to set up a new account so he can send me money.
doublescam
May 05, 2019
Just played on words with friends with “scammer”. Asking all sorts of questions. Caught him in several lies. Now asking to go to hangouts app. Blocked him immediately. They all use the same story. Sickening
Sunflower13Don…
June 12, 2019

In reply to by doublescam

Ive been also scammed by a guy from Words with friends. Claims to be working on an oil rig in UK. Jason Brian, uses many versions of his name. Says he’s widowed, lost his only son...and so on. Plays games then asks you if married; if not bang...watch out. He stolen x- amount of $$$ Then told me he wanted to use a credit card w/bank account. He was trusting me with his money. Big mistake. Thank goodness I said I didn’t have any credit cards etc. I was dumped so fast I was shocked. Thank goodness I still have have my house n bank accounts
nance davamp
May 06, 2019
I have been talking to a guy that is in the german military and yes he is quite handsome his phone is traced back to texas but I did an image search and his picture is on all kinds of dating sites in Russia,liverpool uk,united states and i texted him all those pics he asked me how did i find all that i told him I had an iris scanner.Which was bs. I stoped talkilng to him because he wanted an amazon card and Im like if youre working for the military why are you asking me for an amazon card??
Blueeyes70
July 08, 2019

In reply to by nance davamp

Anyone hear of Charles Owen's. On peace keeping mission in Afghanistan. Supposedly from Detroit. Usual widowed with 1 child who lives with his mom. Was on pof . Found one of his photos on Google image but says someone using his photos. His texting seems broken and not mature enough to match the photo. Tried to say he cudnt get his care pack as his card blocked. I told him the military hardly let him starve.wanted me to sign him up on some currency card and all these were red flags. Ie why cant ur mum send u money etc. Waz supposed to retire 27may. But of course now saying nobody can leave. Only reason I kept talking was to catch him out. Asked him for a friend contact that I cud verify who he is or his mum number so I can call her. I am no idiot but like that every sentence is baby or my love. He copied a complete love letter i googled which came up under..how to make a woman fall in love with u. Seriously lol.
Taken Advantage of
May 06, 2019
There is a guy posting on pof.com and other dating websites pretending to be a thoracic surgeon. He goes my the name Brian Edmonds-Allums. He shows women a contract stating he is going to make $525,000 a year. He the states that he wants to be in a relationship, but must have fully access to banking accounts and credit cards etc in order for him to take care of them. If he cant get that he asks to borrow money because he cant get access to his, then write a bad check to cover what he borrowed. When a female starts to figure out what he is doing and confronts him he threatens to sue, have them arrested, ruin. their life.
JulieinMO
May 07, 2019
ok...so I am very worried about my best friend who met this guy named "Chris" on Tinder (of all places). Stated he is on an oil rig, he is Italian /French Canadian, owns a house in Italy, a millionaire and within about a week of them talking has stated he loves her, wants to marry her, etc. They have been in communication for maybe 3-4 weeks now.. the other day, he said that their permits are held up and he needs a $1,000. She didn't have it, so he asked her to set up an account under her name here in the US and he wired a $1,000 to it...he wants her to in turn wire that money to an attorney- out of the country. Has anyone ever heard of this???
FTC Staff
May 07, 2019

In reply to by JulieinMO

That sounds like a scam.

Some scammers use people to help them transfer stolen money. They don't reveal that the money is stolen - they tell a story to hide the purpose for the transaction. They meet people online, create a relationship, and ask their new sweetheart to use an existing bank account, or open a new account. Then the scammer asks the victim to receive and transfer money.

If you do this for a scammer, your name is on the bank account and on the money transfer forms. If you get involved with one of these schemes, you could lose money and personal information, and you could get into legal trouble.

wifegettingscammed
May 07, 2019

In reply to by FTC Staff

This is true. Happened to my wife, whether she's willing to admit it or not.
Ne_C
May 06, 2019
I got romanced scammed by a guy claiming to be Oliver Chelsey Uti, a US Staff Sergeant Pilot who is currently serving his mission in Afghanistan. He wooed me into a fantasy love life story and I, foolishly, fell for it. He was sending a package from Afghanistan which contained his documents and a large substantial amount of money, which us weird because 1. Why would you send it like that and 2. This doesn't sound right. So I just let it be until I get a txt message from a John Kandy in Turkey immigration saying the package has arrived and I need to pay $1550 for him to permit its release. The funny thing was that this John Kandy is the same name on the receipt that was handling the package in Afghanistan. I knew then, I have been scammed romantically and was trying to be scammed financially. Thank God, I sent no money or wasted anything financially!!! But this idiot is using pictures of a very handsome and good looking American Latino man and his young son to lure the hearts of the vulnerable. Please people be careful!!! I wish I could post their pictures here so that who ever does know this man, can inform him that he is being used as a victim for these scammers
Nino
May 07, 2019
I did an image search in google and... no results. I have checked another websites about scammers, still nothing. Is there any other way to check the picture? Thanks
Don't use your…
May 07, 2019
Senior 70. I filed a 1C3 report a yr ago as I was involved with a romance scammer, do I need to file another one , I lost $3300.00 . Does it take awhile ? Money was sent to a 3rd party.
Concerned
May 07, 2019
Does anyone know of a Frank Walter, says he is from Greece but picture he sent in Google reverse image says Chris Damien from Australia?
jessane
May 08, 2019
does anyone know John (Sebastian) Bogdan , from match.com zoosk, pof , amoungst a few. 59 years old a widow , wife died in scotland , a son in football school in spain , he works a Qatar on rigs H&S , wanting to transfer money through credit union ?
Barbarathebelle
May 22, 2019

In reply to by jessane

I fell for his charms and it cost me. Met him on dating site and he quickly moved to a chat platform. He is a scammer in every sense of the word. When he realises he can't get anymore money from you, he blocks you. He is very smooth but it's all lies. Be careful ladies.
DudeMannDude
May 08, 2019
Ask to do a videoconference. Most will not be able to do it claiming there internet needs more money or they need a new phone. Watch out for garbage videoconferencing. You should see a quality video and good audio. Be aware of pre-recorded videos used as video chats. Ask a question and get a real response in video mode.
Don't use your…
May 08, 2019
Anyone run into Thomas Andrews Chevron oil rig Som at military school on the Hudson needs tuition Needs itune cards for computer Needs Amazon cardsNEEDS 18,500 TO GET OFF SHIP SHOWS ADDRESS IN LOWER MANHATTAN
Being Lonely d…
May 08, 2019
Thomas Russell or Thomas Russell Jr does not exist. He is not a real military electrical contractor in Syria whose home is in Dallas Texas. He started out on Zoosk (Massachussetts address) with a picture of a Viking helmet in a costume store and immediate took his profile down. He posts pictures wearing two wedding rings. He has American military pictures and a pictures with a teenage boy out fishing. He claims his wife died from cancer 10 years ago, nor did he grow up in a German orphanage..... he lists himself as 49 with a June birthday and expects to retire in 2 years... he says yes to everything. However, he takes notes on what you say, chimes in with a religious saying when it is convenient. It is clear from his conversations that he is talking to several people at the same time. He has a very hard time keeping track of who he is talking too. His English comprehension is not great. He takes random quotes and jots them down. They are quite clever but all false. He absolutely does not speak German. He is on google hangouts and should not be trusted for anything but entertainment value. He did not ask me to send him anything but it was only a matter of time.... Be careful ladies.
Scammed
May 09, 2019
Rob Travels now / Rob Gusto or Giuliano scams travelers in NYC. Seeks women on the internet. Always has an emergency for which he asks for money. Found out a while back but should have known with all the name changes and company name changes he has on the internet. Beware
Maria
May 14, 2019

In reply to by Scammed

Exactly the same story for me. I also found out recently. I met him in December, 2018 but I did not find these complaints back then. This was most probably due to the fact that he was released in November, 2018. I lost $ 200 due to his emergency situation and he claimed his ID was taken; so thus, the money was not wired under his name, so no evidence....The internet complaints keep increasing so he may be behind the bars again sooner or later.
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