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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.

Lioner_7
July 01, 2019
I was approached on a site called hi5 by a man called Harry Jones. He claims to be a cargo ship captain, initially he used to live in Oklahoma, now in Illinois, in a matter of days. Saying to be on his way to Thailand. Gave me a phone number with a Virginia area code. I am certain he's a scammer, using someone else's pictures. His English varies. Sometimes is ok, but sometimes has lots of grammar issues. I've been researching this individual for days, even image reverse, but no luck. Has anyone else been around this person?
I got scammed
June 30, 2019
Same scammer 3 years later using same number 7145126919 is scamming others under the name of Rich Richard. Stay away!
Chen
June 30, 2019
Chen,how can we share video and photos?theres one guy who almost scammed me.he said his working in netjets as a pilot.
Denise
July 01, 2019
What is a steam card and after seeing this I've come to see this is so real I need help here
hershey_girl
July 01, 2019
Ive got scammed just two weeks ago. I sent $1000 because the package was hold in indonesia. Now the agent asking for $3150. To make it clear. But its a red flag for me though.
Ria
July 01, 2019
I met online (twoo dating site) a military man who says he is from Florida, but has an accent. He says his origins from Scotland. He has a 9 year old daughter. He said he got some money and was going to send to me and follow the package as he wants to look into starting a business in my home country. I gave him my address without even thinking about the implications as I guess it was the excitement of meeting a military personnel. We have done 2 facetimes on fb but were so short as he did not want to be caughter by his superiors to make video chats. I do not know if that is true. It is him alright. He however has just got his camera on the phone spoilt and now we are unable to do facetime. I do not know whether to believe that or not. the package was being couriered by Skyline Courier and I was told that the service fee was to be paid by me so I paid that. Upon payment, I was told to pay demurrage fees to customs which I cannot pay as I am now skeptical , much too late that this is a scammer . A grave concern now for me is that I am now being threatened by the Courier service that when customs finds out the contents of my package, I will be face legal implications. Can anyone please tell me how I can get out of this? Any relevant authorities I need to speak with?
FTC Staff
July 02, 2019

In reply to by Ria

This sounds like a scam. Some scammers say they will send a package of money, but then demand that you pay fees or taxes to get the package. The scammer might send emails from fake couriers or have fake government authorities call and threaten you and try to get more money.  When scammers do this, there really is no package of money. They are making up stories to frighten you and try to take your money. You could choose to block him or stop communicating.

Here in Australia
July 02, 2019
I have one I'm currently talking to, a Tatyana Zubareva, Russia +79613777531, youngandsmarty . Where do I send the photos too? Claims to be in St Petersburg,claims to not have Facebook or Instagram, yet travelled into Melbourne Australia, I reside in another part of Australia, 1000s km away from there.
Kk1996
July 02, 2019
Has anyone been scammed by a girl name James Mariana. See send me a picture of a porn star but I never knew it was a porn star until a friend told me. She always ask for amazon and steam gift cards. A couple of days ago I got her a iPhone 7 Plus but in one of her pictures she has an iWatch and I should of known because I also have an iWatch and she keeps on asking to open up an account so she can send money to me and she says that her parents gave her a will for 25000. She also says she doesn’t want her sister to know about it. How do I delete my hangout account so she doesn’t scam me anymore
The queen
July 02, 2019
I just want to say I got scam by a person who used the name John William Scott unfortunately I did search on him and did not match face he said on business doing engineer work and had job in the country of turkey we fell in love wanted to get married said all the romancing things women want to hear until he started asking for mining to unlock his accounts to get money he says he has and promises to pay back stupid me sent some and I lost it somebody stole it I will not do that again right before he took me completely off or disappear he left me a song to hear I listen seem light but when disappear of completely I was glad because I realized I got scammed I learned a lesson when ask for money it’s a red flag not to send if they have money and ask they are lying it’s all fake and lies never believe them let them go and never think of them again I pray the Lord forgive me giving into it
Senior 70
July 02, 2019
I have written before to this blog. Does anyone know how long if and when the FBI , could eventually catch up with my scammer or they just don't bother with small amts of lost cash.($3300.00) The money went to a 3rd party in Fresno, Calif. Over a yr. ago. I filed a report with the 1C3 , explaining everything. Right now I just want to see my scammer bought to justice , so many stories on here and so many remind me of him. The scammers reinvent themselves charging their profiles, names, etc. Confused lady , yes the guy you dealt with has all the markings of my scammer, who has a partner even the blue eyes !!! You were lucky to get away from him. There is a Oil rig scammer blog which I found and have been following for about 4 months. A woman had lost $5000.00 and the scammer left supposedly after a accident on the rig, where did he go, 2 countries that members of my family were associated with . So as I am writing this, he'll reinvent himself again by using little bits and pieces of scammed women . I hope wholeheartedly he is found and jailed or deported to his country . I'm sorry I never had a address for the scumbag , he gave me a phony one at the time . God's luck ladies, God Bless all of us, Yes I'm getting through this
confused lady
July 05, 2019

In reply to by Senior 70

Hi! Thank you. Does the guy goes by the name Roberto Sanchez? It is what's on his passport info page. Please keep in touch. Thank you.
Alex
July 02, 2019
Denmark female soldier named Sophie Mhiz
SunHappy
July 02, 2019
The guy I talked to said he was an architect (owned his own business), widowed, young son, nanny, and sick mother. Fell in “love” with me within the first week, called me his wife, and the love of his life. He sent me pics of a very handsome man (dark facial hair/beard) in "his" office. Within the 1st week, he pretended to leave out of the US to do business in another country. Continued to ask me to open a bank account and nearest locations of BitCoin ATMs. For the first 2 weeks he would never come out to ask for money or to send him any BitCoins but I knew he kept asking in hopes I would volunteer to send him money. Then he pretended he got a contract out of the country. On the day he was to return to the US, he got in an accident and his wallet with ID and passport stolen. How convenient, huh? He pretended to be stranded with no money and had to wait for the Embassy to give another passport. Again, during the 3rd week, he didn’t ask for money, only pretended he needed emotional support from me. 4th Week: Still stranded in other country. Asked me if I had $500 to send him to pay for his hotel and have food to eat. I told him, “no.” lol He then said, “Nothing?, Anything?, $200?” I still said I didn’t have it. The next day, he casually asked for my phone account login username and password. I told him I wasn’t giving that info to anyone and he started saying I didn’t trust my husband (him) and I should do what my husband (him) say. He said he needed my login so his “financier” can send money to my Verizon account. I would then withdraw the money from my Verizon account and then send it to him.” Also, he needed some Iphones. How stupid did he think I was? That’s not how phone accounts work. Guess what?! Once he knew he couldn’t fool me, he disappeared. I sent him public pics of someone I found online and lied about everything I told him because I knew he was a scammer. He sent flowers to an address that accepts packages thinking it was my address that I gave him. Lol
Daisy3431
July 07, 2019

In reply to by SunHappy

This story is so similar to mine. Just tonight he said that I have to do what my husband(him) says. I did receive my flowers. We have went through the lost/ stolen passport, the hotel, the accident and now hospital bill and the Bitcoin ATM. I will be writing my "Dear Richard" letter tonight.
judy
July 03, 2019
Happen to me on last week I just meet a guy on Zoosk dating website and the guy using name David Josh, 45 years with a date of birth on March 26, said is widow cause his wife died in a car accident. Very very sexy guy on pictures! Working in a construction company from Ontario Burlington and Thompson Manitoba. Also didn’t have a phone to reach him only text. Then have to travel for his job but supposedly not allowed to talk on the phone on job site. Then send me pictures promise me to married me, to come over. Then asked 100$ for his daughter because was her birthday and because his in traveling have no car so can’t buy in stores. I said my self I can pay for that and it will be a test for him. I had a doute!! So the next day he told me how much he care of me with is heart and soul and I much he promised god he will not have a sexual relation which no one since his wife died ... ask him when she died, her name... didn’t get the info. He (which I don’t know really who he is) even send me pictures of his daughter. Then he told me expecting a boat coming with tiles for 984 300.00$ in profit so he will be able to move and buy us a house as soon a the boat comes. At the same time, asked me 1000$ to help him prepare the papers for the boat which I tel him NO WAY!!!! So he start to play like you don’t trust me I would do anything for you ... told him to send me his ID and will see from there which obviously didn’t happen! So please laidies be careful!!! This guy is a scammer!!!!
Trapped 65
July 03, 2019
Has anyone been talking to a Stephen Taylor or Telly Evans both claim they are doctors
Lilly62
July 03, 2019
This oil rig guy is unbelievable! This 1 goes by the name Nelson O Reede. Has a dog. Even sent me a picture with my name on it! HOW?? I got scammed bad! I would like to find this guy or who ever & hold him & give him all my love! I can't say how. He got mad because he said he was in it 100% then needed 1800. To pay for the chopper. I feel like a sucker! Good luck to him because I may have good credit (maybe temporarily now) but I don't have $ and he got all mad now says "I hurt him"! Even put my 29 yr marrage on the line. I hate this! He's on Facebook. DON'T REPLY! I will share pictures!
TiredOfNonsense
July 03, 2019
Travis Scott Oil rig in Qatar Instagram page is a strange collection of selfies. Greying hair. Says he is 50 and from France. Divorced his wife and has 2 kids in boarding school. Has not asked for money...yet!
Kay
July 04, 2019
Has anyone have a Daniel Bryan he’s about to finish his last contract wants to settle down finally. His wife passed away from has a daughter. He’s very poetic and tells you about how strong his love is for you and one plus one remains one In Dubai he loses his wallet in the cab or airport Asks to pay for his hotel room can’t figure it out he wants amazon gift cards screen shot to him do he can pay for the room While he is gone his daughter has a birthday and he wants you to buy her itune gift cards and amazon
Lydia
July 04, 2019
I met a guy named Kendrick Jose Kelvin. Which said he was worked with US Army(used a picture of a guy from US Air Force) said that he was from Australia and mother was from China and said that i was so deeply in love in you(from the first day i knew him). Im a honest man. My wife was dead while gave birth to my only daughter. What a sad story. With his broken english but still can understand. I was wonder why is a person from Australia work with US can keep on spelling wrong word but same pronunciation. So far never asked for money, but he asked for details and said that US rewarded them money, his daughter and me is the only family want to sent it to me and help to keep it until he come and meet me soon(less than a month). Asked for live video and calling, said that its againts the camp rules will be punished or jail if get caught. He call me once before, which is less than 2 mins it sounds doesnt like his voice but sounds like negerian. Always try to skipped the question you ask, and say im a christian a god feary man. After that he post a picture which is buddist idol lol..And keep on say trust me, please dont tell anyone our conversation i like to keep it secret, calling you're my princess, my queen, honey, darling, my wife, you are so good, nice, intelligent, you're beautiful, hardworking.. i wont hurt you trust me, your heart are safe with me etc. and asking for more picture from me, how much my income. And his timing always changed. After i found out the real man i try to ask him again his name and details. He never mentioned his last name which is on the uniform(did he forget where he is and his name?) I do ask him to proof himself he ask me how to proof himself? I asked for live call and email. But gaved me a gmail...said it was his so called military email. And he called me on video call which also less than 2 mins, so fake and which is super blurr and bad connection from his side. He still pretend like nothing and ask me whats wrong with me, he felt im unhappy
Sandra
July 04, 2019
He identified himself as a military man who is on a mission in Syria, has a son Daniel, and says his name is Terry Davidson .... he asked me $ 1500, to release goods into gold, and that he will come to Brazil to see me. coiling to see how far he can lie, but it's very convincing.
Lilbit
July 05, 2019
This guy Charles Clark got in touch with me through Instagram then wanted to move onto hangouts. Of course later asking for money. Saying he was in the us army. That he was in love with me. I knew that this could not be true.
Lilbit
July 05, 2019

In reply to by Lilbit

He claimed that he was a sergeant. Don't they get paid? Why would a us military sergeant ask for money and Amazon cards also iTunes cards? According to the pictures on Instagram, he's a fine looking young man. This whole thing is crazy.
Lilbit
July 07, 2019

In reply to by Lilbit

Has anyone heard of this guy on Instagram cwood700 ?
Rob
July 05, 2019
Some "woman" tried to scam me. Said she is a UN worker in Africa. Then made up a story about being sick and needing food. I ask why doesn't UN take care of her? She didn't really answer and wanted a few thousand. I told her to go to the airport and get a flight back to US. She said her passport was lost! I said go to the nearest US consulate and get papers that allow you return home. No scammer is going to the US consulate. If by a 1 in billion chance she was real then US consulate would verify her identity. That was the last I heard of that scammer.
donna212
July 05, 2019
Hi Donna is the mans Name Travis He's a real charmer if that's the case..hes an expert at it for sure..I just got rid of him this morning .Wow I feel sooo bad for some of you ladies who gave to these takers.. I have just stopped entirely on even saying hello to these people..Ladies it's your best bet...your better off not wasting your time, kindness,heart and espicially your savings..it tough being alone this I know,but I am much better alone then to believe in any kind of media type love.. How sad it is to think we should bite on a phone call or a screen ..LADIES we must STAND STRONG love is not found by words..its actions..one can be whoever or whatever they want through airwaves am I not correct... Believe with what is shown then believe with your hearts ..Give and receive equally..no words can show you this..do..never leap before you learn every bit of who your giving your person to..your worth much more than that...good luck in your pathways to love..
3boysmama
July 05, 2019
Is anyone else talking to a Micheal Anderson? I have been for awhile but question the motives. Please post something if you are
areyoukiddingme
July 06, 2019
My guy has a Spanish accent and says he is in an oil rig in the North Sea and wants to take emergency vacation time off to come see me. We have been knowing each other for months now and he doesn’t ask me for money. He only wants me and his time. He has to pay his own way off the rig and told me he doesn’t want me paying for any of it. That is an good thing because I don’t have the money. He told me this crazy amount of $28,000. Is this man scamming me? Like I said, he doesn’t want my money. How do I find out more info on him since whenever I have done online searches it comes up to nothing on him. Also how far is it from the North Sea to Edinburgh, Scotland. His work won’t pay his flight off the rig because it’s not his scheduled vacation time. Does anyone share my story ?
Teddy bears
July 06, 2019
This guy lives in Ireland in bray in wicklow to be exact. He took thousands of my hard earned cash off me my auntie sold him a car she never got paid for it. Ladies please beware do not add this guy his name he has 2 names his fake name and his real name 2 different profiles on this dating site. I don't no are u allowed to name him if u want to no ill tell u
Sha sha
July 07, 2019
I am talking for almost amonth to a guy named robert grant. He is living iwht his daughter in uk. His wife is already dead. He is sending me pictures . It is just that there are inconsistencies . He never ask for.money. he is an engineer . He claimed.
Buckaroo
July 07, 2019
I think I have another scammer. This one is going under Jenny Sanchez, mobile hair stylist. She has not asked for money yet but communication with her has been spotty and she has been slow to answer any questions. She called me on a Google Voice Number and her English seemed to be sketchy. I think the person on the line was acting as if there was a problem with the phone line. I could hear background noise that sounded like other people but she claimed to be in a hotel room. I am going to continue to play along and wait for the hook.
Rebuff gal
July 07, 2019
My sister I know is falling prey to a scammer named Mark Smith from Portland Maine. Claims he's off the coast of China working on an oil rig. 2 children in boarding school. She's falling hook line & sinker for this person. He hasn't asked for $$ or so she says but is telling her he wants to help her get debt free. Wants to put $$ in her account to pay off credit or loans she has. We are trying to convince her this is a ploy to get to her finances or something illegal. Any help from someone would be greatly appreciated. Oh, he has not given her his address where supposedly lives in Portland up to this point. Help!
Lazydragon
October 03, 2019

In reply to by Rebuff gal

Get her to read this site. Hopefully by now she knows it’s a scammer.
KotyJ
July 07, 2019
This guy contacted me on instagram about three weeks ago. He says he's a SGT/E5 on a peace keeping mission in the middle east. He says he is 32. He also has an Identical twin brother, (also in the military). He hasn't asked me for anything. But is going to fast with “Im falling in love with you” Ive read through alot of your guys stories and he seems to have alot of different elements to his back story. 1. He say hes a widower, wife died in child birth. 2. Hes incredible looking 3. He refers to his mother as “mum”. Any way the list goes on. I’m sure you see the pattern. Whats so incredibly weird is that his other followers are his brother. Pictures of him and his mother. Multiple pictures of him and his baby. He goes by Jason Graham. If anyone else out there knows him or has been scammed by him, I would very much like to know. Im feeling pretty stupid right now that Ive even invested my time and energy to this person. One more thing, sometimes his speech pattern sounds American. Sometimes it doesn't. Any way maybe one of you can shed a light on this stuff for me. Thanks
H7654
January 28, 2020

In reply to by KotyJ

This same person scammed me. Caught me at a time I was newly divorced, vulnerable. Over some months I sent him probably $2,000 until I caught on. Once he knew I was onto him he got verbally abusive, threatening me. Said his twin brother waa gay. Deleted his IG account eventually, etc. Said so many things as an excuse for needing money ie, he was injured, he was accused of shooting a fellow soldier and needed money for a lawyer, etc. Was so attentive and affectionate for months. I still feel like an idiot for falling for it. Hope he gets caught. Who knows who I was really talking to. Horrible.
H7654
January 28, 2020

In reply to by KotyJ

Also, he wanted to send me a bunch of cell phones for me to dispatch to soldiers and share the profit. Wanted my Verizon account number. Um, nope! Told me Iran wanted to give him 1.5 million if he (I) supplied a 10 percent fee. Um, nope. Even went so far to find my kids on instagram. Called me, his voice doesn't match up. Total scamming jerk.
H7654
January 28, 2020

In reply to by KotyJ

Oh and at one point I even friended his brother on ig because I hadn't heard from him, Jason, and was worried he was injured in Iran. His "brother" was nice and polite. I'm sure his brother isn't his brother at all. Called his mom, mum. His wife Tracy died in childbirth. Two very young kids. Amazing looking. Def the same guy.
Rach
July 07, 2019
Has anyone heard of a man called Thomas on dating.com? There are several scam profiles on there but this guys has been used in several other scams. He has been called Joewood Fabrizio Domenico and other names. I think his real name is David L.
Mykeyc
July 08, 2019
Has anyone heard of or had anything to do with a Chris Manuel or Chris B Manuel ? Thank you in advance.
UKlonelyhearts
July 08, 2019
I've just come across this thread after becoming involved with a guy online. He claims to be working for the CIA and has just been deployed to Africa. Said he was a deputy director which I thought was odd, as I thought there was only one of those. Tells me he loves me on a daily basis and has just started asking me for stuff. Today is was a google play card. Now its a care package through an agent, he wants 'wears' designer ones. and Cologne that costs £155 a bottle. I wanted to believe he was genuine until I read on here..he calls me his queen. How could I have been so stupid? I'm 46 - I should of known better. He has also told me that he has deleted his profile on the dating site now - he asked me to switch over to KIK for chatting. But today he sent me his email address? I don't know what to believe. He's sent me pictures of himself in plain clothes and combats. Does this sound like a scam??
Don'pariaht us…
July 08, 2019
anyone know a scammer by the name of anthony harrison?
jellyfish
July 09, 2019
My friend from Miami Florida get a Petronas award contact and now the machine down at offshore and ask me email to equipment company and transfer money to equipment company, after that, the equipment company said need pay for shipping fees, but the my friend said he bank been blocked, ask me raise money for him to pay the shipping fee, after that settle this, then the equipment company send email to me said need custom clearance fee, my friends ask me send money again, seem like never ending to send money, so I want to ask is it I been cheat by my friends?
lindataylor7
September 04, 2019
some one I known for four yes on line keeps after me for money tells me to get a bank account open to transfer money in to it so he can transfer his money to me he just keeps it up at me all the time skears me seems real nice but im not doing that I thank he might be a scammer been friends 4 years on line
Sexyman
July 09, 2019
I have a friend that got scammed twice and I think she’s in another one. The guy sent her flowers and balloons with I love you on them. Says he’s from Malibu and he was traveling to Dubai didn’t know when he’s be back in the states to see her. Not sure why she would give out her address. Anyone anyone have the same scenario
maria
July 09, 2019
my almost husband , according to him, is gerard mark and is currently in turkey. working for exxon. as they had trouble with pirates they had to ship out their private things. if I could pay for it because he could not get acces to his bankaccount due to bad network. so the entire ship cannot sail because he's waiting for my money to send his things to me. he gave his codes so I could get acces to his account and get the money out to make the transfer. but really strange I needed to pay 1000 euros to get the last code. so now he is waiting for me to do that and if I don't they cannot sail and het won't be able to come to me next week. year right. what I don't understand is we have been texting calling and skyping for 6 weeks. sending pictures. why all this effort for 1000 euro's. too bad he is good looking
idiotsavant
July 09, 2019
In reference to my previous post about Dan Rachlin and the man that tried to scam me, here is the dialogue that he sent me after just a few messages with him: "you're someone i want to connect with,getto know better . would lead me to your heart. i want to be the gentleman whose got the key to your heart. i want to know everything nice about you. you live and lead a beautiful lifestyle. i admire allof these alot, it'shelp toknow you better and to treat you better like a Queen i perceive you to be. i use to own a beach house in Huntington beach. it might be slow but steady.we will get to know each other much better . i would love to write you a long letter . I'm a gentleman. born and breed in Aarhus, Denmark. i've been living here in the states for 20yrs now due to work. I'm a Renowned Aeronautical Engineer currently working with Boeing on a contract agreement. I was once married, Divorced 5' years ago; got a teenage daughter living with my Ex. We barely stand each other because i could call her names and all these years it's being very hard to find someone to trust with the piece of heart i have got left. i've learnt and wish to move on with my life and to be happy with myself and whoever i want to spend the rest of my life with And while life is full, I do miss the friendship and close connection of a partner and everything that comes with it including loyalty, trust, mutual respect and intimacy I am not looking for my mirror image but rather someone whose own uunique and special qualities can dovetail and be complementary to mine... and vice versa.i only have one heart and it belongs to one special person after exchanging contacts and text with you i felt the need to closemy match account which i did i said to myself if she is the one, then she is mine and i wish to give you my time, my attention and everything i've got to make these work first friendship, step by step our relationship will wax stronger and become perfect I hope you believe in the power of love as time possese it it's perfect to be you and i will love you for youI was raised Catholic and was an all-star altar boy in my early days. God is a big part of my life and i am always seeking greater understanding to know him better.I'm the only child of my parents my dad is german while mom is danish i want to stay close to your heart ...."
Queeny2017
July 09, 2019
I had a guy follow me on instagram. Claims he's in the navy. After a couple weeks, he told me there was a way for him to return home within a few days. Asked me to send money, and to email his commander. I did some research, and everything these articles said is exactly what he told me. Example: spouse died, kids with relative, can't take pictures, on a peace keeping mission in Afghanistan. I only wonder if this person is truly in the military and someone stole his identity on social media.
Becca72
July 10, 2019
Got to be a better way at searching the creeps up online...