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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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Topics
Shopping and Donating
Scams
Romance Scams

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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.

Jean
August 29, 2019
Has anyone dealt with a William Reaves claims to be an engineer,daughter in school, deceased wife about a year ago? I also found a photo with the name Nelson Wood from a dating site And positive listed as rayjo 3132 on another. He's a good looking guy with an accent. Salt and pepper hair with black rim glasses. age is about 60.
Bhavdev
August 30, 2019
I recently got a mail from a women claiming to be a US soldier and she found some 5million in a consignment box in Iraq and wants my help to get that out of there and she will reward me 30% as she cannot directly take them to US. I sensed its a scam but I actually want to know why she said that she is sending me money. Generally scammers ask for money but she asked my address to send the money. Please tell me the reason if any one knows.
Mary
September 24, 2019

In reply to by Bhavdev

Because he or she wants your personal information - full name, address, bank account numbers for identity theft? Sometimes they send money, but the cheque is bad and the deposit is cancelled after a couple of weeks. Meanwhile they have asked you to send the money to another account and you are stuck with repaying the original deposit.
Chris90
December 10, 2019

In reply to by Mary

This has happened to me also. Who knew that someone could put bad checks into your account. I fell for it. David Williams Lynn was his name. I met him on POF and he sent pictures of him and his children (Twin boys) he lost his wife in an accident 7 years ago. He would call all the time. He said he was coming to visit me he was so excited and so was I. But then he had to go on a business trip wanted to finally go back to work. He went to Nigeria. When he got there he said all of his money was stolen and him and the kids were staying out in the rain. The kids were getting sick and needed bioctin for their health. Of course because I am a single mother I felt bad for him. I told him I had no money so of course he said that I should give him my bank accounts so that I could get him Apple cards and google play cards along with steam cards. I had a gut feeling it was wrong and actually fought it for a couple weeks. But I fell for it. He said he had enough money to get on a plane and come right here to get me the money back. On his way to the airport him and the children got into an accident and they were at the hospital. He even had some doctor send me texts with updates. I was so kissed at this time because my checking account started going bad and now I owe so much money. I even changed my passwords and everything. So I. Is I owe money and even have to work three jobs. I explained to my bank what happened so I now have to file a police report and do I report. I kept everything. All text messages, Apple cards, google play cards, and steam cards. And to top off the big thing. I was dumb enough to send him a phone because he said he could sell it and get more money for the plane tickets. Wow he really has it all figured out. Everyone please be careful. Even though you don’t want to be alone. There are so very many people that just take advantage and it just sucks. It makes you not to trust anyone at all.
Lazydragon
October 03, 2019

In reply to by Bhavdev

It’s because there is no money. You will give your name and address for the “package “ to be sent to you. Then you will get an email that the package is tied up in customs in Turkey or some other random country. And they will want you to pay the customs taxes on it or they won’t release it. Usually in the hundreds of dollars. If you don’t pay they tell you that they will open the box and if there is money in it you will be charged with money laundering. It’s s total scam!!!!!! Run!!!!
Kila85
August 30, 2019
I'm trying to figure out if this guy off Instagram is a scammer. I sent him $100 iTunes cards . He ask me about money few times I said know .. I've try to find him can't anywhere not even number I believe it's text app... He says his name is Bally. Anyone else heard of him?
Fellforittoo
September 04, 2019
Samuel T Mandes is now contacting me by different email and name. He is now going by Michael Thomas - thomasmichael090@ He said I can never get away from him. He has 47 Facebook accounts and 8 of them are on my friends list. He will watch for my daughter and blackmail me to ruin her career when he is ready if I don't get back in touch with him. He is mad that I blocked him and called him a scammer and liar!! I continue to update the FBI report - it must be getting thick by now. I don't respond. Has anyone had a scammer turn into a stalker and NOT move on to the next victim? I'm starting to freak out.
SallyM
September 01, 2019
I too have a guy Named David John William He’s has talked to me For weeks with all the romance lingo. Now he says he is going to jail for a long time for video chatting with me for about 3 seconds. Now needs 1.500 to save his career and keep him out of jail . My god the guilt they put on you and he says his bank account Is frozen. Please has anyone heard of him and he say if I don’t hear from him by Thursday just delete the app ( hangouts) because he won’t be back for a long time yet says I’m the love of his life . So Some please help Sally
SallyM
September 01, 2019
Where is my comment I posted?
Lulu
September 01, 2019
Hey, Tib. Ernest Adelberto is at it again. He’s still a welding contractor, but is on the verge of retiring. And his daughter has turned into two sons. He’s on Zoosk. He says he lives in Beverly Hills. And, yes, his wife died 4 years ago. He claims to have been born in Germany on February 8. He claims to have lived in the US for 32 years and he claims to have an advanced degree. In spite of those two facts, his grammar, usage, lexical choices, and punctuation stink.
Anna
September 02, 2019
Has anyone been contacted by Jason Anders? He says he is American from Ohio, lives in Rostock, Germany. Divorced, his father is German, passed away 8 years ago... Please let me know. Thanks!
Kristen Bondowski
September 03, 2019
Hi Ladies !! Did anyone recently have contact with a Dr. Mark Willams ?? He said he was in Kabul , Afghanistan, widowed, wife died of breast cancer , had a 14 yr. old son in a private school in the UK .. He kept saying my dear and my sweet honest friend a lot .. He wanted to settle down and get married to me .. The , he asked me for $250.00 for an I Tunes card .. He kept asking me to connect to hangout and to send him a picture.. I didn’t do it .. Thank God .. The scary part was that he almost had me sucked in to his scam ..
Sylwia
September 03, 2019
Hi im just dealing with guy name Thomas deal right now on deployment in Iraq. His parents are death, wife a drugs abuse so he is single father. Is anyone is similar to this guy?
Shaydeedub
September 03, 2019
Scammer username was Fenix Rowland and lots of interesting things happened. Had a son with a nanny & worked for UN in Netherlands. Worked on it for a whole year...with two sets of contact info. Stalked all of my profiles & sent me several fake pics. Always offended when I say Nigerian scammer. He was seeking letter for vacation and up to $2500 to make the trip home. He forgot about the other two times he asked me for money. These scammers prey on emotion. They're not so creative & they never speak correct English to be Texan stationed in Netherlands. Be careful. You're better off with the drunk guy always at the bar....or not. Love yourself!
Vien
September 03, 2019
I recent know a guy from instagram name by Joe Takahashi.he said he is a doctor.working at Syria Arab Red Cross.and he said he came to Singapore.from Turkish to Thailand transit to Singapore.and he say Thailand airport officers need him to paid for his luggage tax, then he can transit to Singapore.and he claim he dun have so much cash with him . He will ask you to transfer money.
Davy jones
September 03, 2019
Why do i reverse search image, i found nothing. The girl ask me money even we just know each other for a few days
Lema
September 03, 2019
I saw something about a Kelvin Rozenmn Ford, but I can’t find the comment because it’s so many. I’ve been chatting with him Nd he say he have a 4yr old daughter named Sharon and that he’s stationed in Afghanistan and the daughter is with the nanny. But I’m so not stupid that I am not falling for his lies.. Can someone please comment if you have come in contact with this dude. I already felt he was suspect when I started taking to him.. I asked him his nationality he said he was from Florida but lives in Texas. But from the way he text I can tell he’s not of American decent. Then I spoke to him he has an accent... lol I’m not slow by far..
Mb
September 03, 2019
Can anyone tell me about Marcus Robert Lowsen?
lilz
September 04, 2019
Same, my guy was Phil Wilson from Port Neches, TX widowed, 1 child. His background check said married from San Diego. He asked me to pay the customs fees on gold bars his father left him. 25.000 for 8 million dollars in gold YEAH RIGHT. I didnt fall for it, He was on ourtime.com, smooth talker, fast to fall in love, be mine forever, these guys make me sick. Ladies do your homework, get a last name and go verified PLEASE
PECOSMAN
September 04, 2019

In reply to by lilz

Kathy Mclain, IS THIS SCAMMERS HANDLE!!! Wow, wow a piece of work! Be VERY CAREFUL men. She is good with a 2 year old son? Pictures and ALL. I feel like such a IDIOT!!!
Mary
September 04, 2019
Hi, did anyone got in contact with a guy named James Fostile? He’s pretending to be the CEO of a company that provides materials for marine ships or smth like this. I’d appreciate if someone knows something about this
Don't use your…
September 04, 2019
I have been speaking to a man only through text on a global communication app his name is Thomas Madsen and he is an engineer and right now he’s on the Gulf coast For the next eight weeks. He cannot use his phone as too many chemicals on the rig he’s roughly in his late 50s has a son that goes to boarding school and his wife died anybody get this won yet. I would love a picture if you do have spoken to him well through chat no video chat
Valerosa
September 05, 2019
I was involved in a very intense relationship with Jeff Meek / Aka David Meek, USA army, stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan . I thought he was so real. He told me what I wanted to hear. What a fake. He stole my sanity and broke my heart. After a lot of calls, and very sweet words, i asked him to Skype, he asked for a newer phone. He had no camera in his phone. Then he asked me to open a bank account so he can deposit money from a business transaction in Turkey. I told him no can do. He changed from the sweetest guy to the meanest man in no time. I stopped texting him. Blocked him. I know he is out there looking for more victims. This guy is by far the king of scammers.
prime
September 05, 2019
Their is someone named Williams Harry, US Army a Colonel based in Kabul who added me in FB and asked me to talked with him in hangout. He is a widowed, his wife died due to cancer and he has a son named John who is with his nanny in US boarding. His parents died due to murder.... I guess he is this the same person you are talking about, though he did not asked yet money, but asking how much is my salary, if i have a car.... How can we report this person?
Bab
September 05, 2019
On Instagram his name is mikecampbell and he is very good getting you to fall for him. It was only the last 10 days or so that a tax problem came up. It’s hard. You desire the person you fell for, but that person does not exist.
HABIBI
September 06, 2019
I am talking with a guy in Jordan, he is a student, and all his profile on Facebook and what he tells me seem legit, I help him with his tuition and it he has two semesters and is graduating next year, Inshaalla, he's parents had stopped supporting his education because he had to transfer University and made him behind on graduating and that made the parents mad, all the information he gave me seems legit, but the only thing I don't like is that I needed a contact other than him just in case I don't hear from him and I can call that contact for emergency. He is hesitant in doing that. He does goes to college, I have seen his grades, and all his social media profile are all legit. His cousin saw his picture on my facebook profile and asked me do I know him I told him just like him facebook. He told me that his cousin is a good human being...lol..i have mixed feelings whether to continue supporting him with his education, I feel sorry for him and wanted him to graduate. Should I continue??? any adviced?
Took the bait …
September 06, 2019
Was a real good one I really feel stupid that I feel for it. Thanks melske13 single mother of 3 she is good at making you feel like she real loves and cares for you.
Joanie Ross
September 07, 2019
My l liar boyfriend from Abidjan said this father had die and left money in my name Fake lawyer was his friend and send him the money to pay bank yes I got scam he play with. My heart and my motion and my money. I told him I know you scam me for my money I want my money back. He lie all around broad. I told him he better get my money back or he going to jail
Marta cabassa
September 07, 2019
That every one is bad there is man that want me to transfer money from his bank account to his manager account his name is mickel nelson. He said he is widow for 10 years And he love me I dont trust him he is in syria.
Amelie
September 08, 2019
I met an alleged doctor (Zachary de Franco) on Instagram who claimed to be working for the UN in Bagdad. I have to admit that I have become emotionally involved with him...until he wanted to visit me Mail and I should submit a vacation application to the UN vacation office. Than the answer was, I need to pay 2.710 Euro to a woman in Texas about western union . In this moment I know he is a scammer...its really hurt me so deeply.
A oil rig scammer?
September 08, 2019
Been dealing with this man on line for a year, he's not once for money my question is these boat men want a $200. Amazon card I, think this is a scam cause his rig company should pay him to return inland now that his job is completed. Am I right?
Almost duped
September 08, 2019
A man named Andrew Franklyin befriend me on Facebook, he was a Nigerian working on an oil rig in Belgium, his wife died 6 years ago and he is a single parent, I couldn’t shake him eveytime I went on Facebook he instant messaged me, he wanted companionship and tried his best to get me to go on a site where he could see me( get a picture) , he wanted to be involved with another guy, I put him off again and again, then my mom died and I told him leave me alone, he still checked in every day, I didn’t answer. The I get a message from Facebook he had been reported for some sort of infraction, and his account canceled, two other Nigerians tries to befriend me and I had smarten up and did not accept, I thought Franklyin new one of my friends or I wouldn’t have accepted , live and learn he was a smooth talker, I am retired this year and not interested in this type of thing or just took me a little time to catch on, be very cautious
Cindy
September 09, 2019
Do anybody know a guy by name Victor Wang Ling. He say he from Hong Kong,but he stay at US. Recently working at Turkey as refinery construction. He have one son by name Jason. His son was taking care by a nanny at Hong Kong. His nanny name is Fanny. He have a mom that very sick. His mom have lung cancer. He claimed that he have two houses at Hong Kong. Now his son is in hospital, but no money to pay for the treatment. Ask to help and send the money. He claimed that his bank account in US was frozen. Now his nanny no money to pay for his son Jason hospitalization bill. Ask for help to transfer the money. He say he can't leave his job coz due to the contract not yet end. Anybody heard this guy before? And wanted to ask,how we want to search a scammer photo via their profile photo?
CJ7797
September 09, 2019
Has anyone heard of Scott Andrews US Army on assignment in Chad.
Clayton
September 09, 2019
Any info? Dr. Michael Duncan/Dilan UN in Afganastan 15 year old son Terry Wife deceased Deleted FB immediately switched to hangouts
qzsusie
September 09, 2019
I think I am a romance scam victim. Met this guy on words with friends. Says he is Norwegian. Told me after a few conversations to download and use google hangouts. We’ve been chatting daily since July 2019. Professed love almost immediately. Very sweet talker. I’m a lonely woman who is not so happily married. He says he is a marine engineer and works for Subsea 7 on a project in the Irish Sea. Says he has two grandkids who are in boarding school in Oslo. They were supposedly abandoned by their mother and he is responsible for them. Also he has a deceased wife and son. I have wired $5000.00 to a bank in Turkey to his supposed lawyer for the grandkids school excursions fees. I have also provided $700.00 in gift cards to him for computers for the kids for school purposes. In addition I provide gift cards to him for what he calls his signal which allows him to stay in touch with me. The company allowed monies for this signal he uses to do company paperwork and answer emails. His name is Williams Theodor. He says he will marry me and provide me with all I could ever desire. Now he has started talking seriously to me about reading the Bible and when we get together he wants me to attend church with him. He also says he has three cars (very nice cars) and a person who cares for his cars in a garage while he is away on these long job assignments. When I asked for his address in Oslo, he offers vague excuses for not knowing his home address. Gated entry to his location, new home, etc. does any of this sound familiar to anyone? I feel like such a desperate fool. Also he says he is 56 with a date of birth 10/10.
irene
December 16, 2019

In reply to by qzsusie

Unfortunately you were his victim. "He" also acts as Parker Willams, widower with a son, very religious, asks amazon gift cards for his "son" and more other stories will come..if you continue and do not block him. Those guys ask to chat on hangouts and many of them hack your emails and then threaten you with sending unwanted content to your contacts. So...
aly991
September 09, 2019
Anyone talk to a Jaxon Jordan deployed in Belgium?
Jeannie
September 10, 2019
Has anyone heard the name Joseph Medina says he has a 8 yr old son name Kelvin and he claims to be stationed in West Africa asks for money care packages etc the pictures he sent does not match the voice I know the guy that's claiming to be him is definitely a Nigerian it's really sad because this Nigerian has stolen this man's identity and trying to use it for his advantage I eventually blocked him and cut off all communication.
Dm
November 27, 2019

In reply to by Jeannie

Yes I have heard of Joseph Medina with a 8 yr old son name kelvin I talk to him on Hangouts for 7 months he called me and video chatted me several times however this man is clearly a Nigerian using someone else's pictures
Scammer finder
September 10, 2019
Brown Jeffrey hahahah Poot guy I gave him a taste of his own medicine....I told him how he was a scammer and then started calling me names because I confronted him Single military dad, wife died 5 years ago and is stationed in kawaii
Sandy
September 10, 2019
Steve Alekos, claimed to be from Greece, but lived in US for the past 25 years. Said he was a building supervisor for a construction company in Louisville. The first weekend we were to meet, he suddenly had to go to Canada for several days for a contract conference. He sent me pics of him giving a speech there. I have dozens of pics of “someone” that he sent me. Then from there, suddenly he had to go to Turkey for four weeks for the contract he won. He claimed to be getting ready to retire. He also called me “my Queen” a lot. I fell hard for him. Then he asked me for an iTunes card, and my heart turned to ice water. He got very angry, a side I had never seen, and I hung up on him. I was devastated. How could I have been so dumb? The guy is a ghost. My daughter found out his address was fake. The photos turned up nothing — they were probably from a poor guy who was also catfished. His name doesn’t check out anywhere. Told me he deleted his Tinder account after we matched. I know now he probably just blocked me. Steve Alekos 200 N Capital Apt 201 (Fake, talked to property manager) Louisville KY 424-307-0254 (Probably a burner phone, did a check and it has no name attached to it.) His Facebook page, which he told me he lost the password for, is also fake. There are hundreds of these people. They cut and paste all those romantic messages. Many work in “boiler rooms” where they do this all day long. DO NOT SEND ANY MONEY, PERIOD!
Janet Holton
March 08, 2021

In reply to by Sandy

Had the same experience..smooth-talked me for a month..then he had to leave for 4 weeks to work in Turkey..week later he was robbed of his passport, wallet and id card..asked me for $500..when I replied that I cannot send him money...he got so angry..told me if I really cared...I would help him out..then I told him he was a scammer...immediately blocked me! ....
Eeyore
September 10, 2019
I have been recieving whatsapp messages and emails from DR.STEPHEN PATRICK supposedly serving in Afghanistan as Orthopaedic Surgeon for UN, he is from America and says he has a Security Consignment box with 700,000$ and a 12.5 bar of gold to be couriered to UK for me to receive. Foolishly it cost me £1000 because I felt sorry for him. That's where it has stopped because he has since had Diplomat agent Gray Johnson fly it into Heathrow last Friday for delivery to me when I pay up £84,000. It doesn't exist according to UK Customs but he doesn't know I've worked out that it 's a SCAM. I am also reporting it to the British Police to cover myself as advised by Border Force agent. He is still messaging me but i'm ignoring him.
Jane
September 10, 2019
Anyone know a Michael murchison, claiming to be a chemical engineer working in Canada but lives in Virginia . Also says he’s French .
Chris
October 29, 2019

In reply to by Jane

Same name and job is currently talking to a family member , what is your dealings with him
Macy
February 28, 2020

In reply to by Jane

Yes I know him Jane. Are you still talking to Michael Murchison?
Mary
October 03, 2020

In reply to by Jane

Michael murchison Has shown up on match and reached out to my friend. Same stuff, chemical engineer, half french dead wife named Clair. Says he left San Diego because he couldn’t live in the same house he had shared with his wife. Now says he’s living in Fremont ca. I have a pic if you want to compare
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