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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.

Search Terms
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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.

Liz07
June 22, 2019

In reply to by Sara

Maybe the same person I had been chatting with. He said he is a freelance civil engineer living in London. He is American and said has a 10 year old living with his parents in the US. He stated he now won this contract in Turkey but needs a working permit. He was robbed and now needs money for the permit. He asked me for help. I immediately concluded he is a scammer. Name by James. Got photos though I did a Google search and could not find any similar ones Maybe it is the same person ?
CKW
June 28, 2019

In reply to by Liz07

I have been conversing with someone named James Walters who claims to be a civil engineer. He was working in Dubai and is now in Qatar, Says his wife died of cancer and he has no children or family. He says he is 62 years old. I wonder if he is one in the same. I do have a picture. Do you?
** Ana
July 12, 2019

In reply to by Samatha

Is his name Harry Freemann, civil engineer on a contract in North Cyprus (Turkey ) to build a hotel for 6 mos. ? Airline lost his luggage with the laptop, engine of a concrete mixer needed replaced, workers ended up injured at hospital, need to pay income taxes in there even before receiving a payment from the government...now has a court case and afraid he'll go to jail.Extremely intelligent and sweet man and very good writing and beautiful voice with German accent ?
Stupid
September 08, 2019

In reply to by scammed

I think I’ve been scanned by Michael Roberts do you have his photo
Survivor 911
October 21, 2020

In reply to by scammed

I rarely go on Facebook. I'll have my spurts when ill catch up with some old friends. 2 days ago I accepted a friend request . A friend of a friend. Immediately he started msg. Me on messenger, while I was chatting with another friend I havent spoke to in a couple of years . His name is MICHAEL ROBERTS. His FB account states he's from Los Angeles. He stated he is widowed. His wife died of cancer 5 years ago, He is a drilling engineer for EXXON in S Korea. He is 63 and has a 15 year old daughter studying in the UK. Asked me if I ever chatted on dating sites ( I have not). Asked Alot of questions about myself but did not want to answer most of my questions. I told him I am not interested in meeting anyone romantically. He keeps telling me how beautiful I am. How I am JUST like his deseased wife and he wants to meet my mother... too much to explain. He immediately requested I chat on whats app , due to the nature of his job he doesnt want to chat on messenger and then Sent me the link to the play store and has continued to send me very endearing messages and pictures. Wanting me to send him pics of myself.. Yesterday I was VERY busy and did not respond to his morning greeting. In late afternoon he inquired why was I so silent. I texted him back explained I was extremely busy ( which I was)and I would catch up with him later. I did a background search with the little info I had on him ( per his FB profile). Narrowing it down it appears his wife is not deceased. I cant say for sure this is a scam but my gut instinct has some serious red flags. Plus he states he is from Los Angeles but his phrasing of the English language does not line up with an American. I ran across this site in my background search of him. Too many things line up on this web site. He states he is retiring soon and he will be off the " oil rig" in 4 months then return back to the states . When I inquired if he had any "online relationships" he stated he did with one woman but it did not work out. She was not very honest. Too many details to text but a very interesting dynamic to say the least. I messaged the friend on FB that is allegedly HIS friend and have not heard from her yet. When I asked Michael how he knew my friend ( ill call her Sally for this post) he did not even respond to the question. Many direct questions I asked he did not acknowledge yet he was peppering me with multiple, personal questions. Too much too fast in my opinion. If my gut feeling is wrong then he may be a one in a million genuine human being. I have pics he sent to me if anyone can compare.
Shattered
September 09, 2019

In reply to by Samatha

What was his name? Similar to my story, civil engineer send equipment in China but job didn’t proceed and now doesn’t have money to return rented equipment.
Shattered
September 30, 2019

In reply to by Samatha

Would his name be Robert? Sounds somewhat similar to my story but not completely.
somebody2
April 15, 2019

In reply to by sadabout humanity

I’m dealing with a christopher, I would love to know if it’s the same guy! Wife’s dead, has been working engineer on ship.please help if this sounds familiar! Asks for amazon cards, wanted me to open a bank account. Help!!
Sickfeeling
April 19, 2019

In reply to by somebody2

It sounds like the same guy as mine. Oil rig guy, structural engineer, son is 11, ex wife dead etc. He goes by the name of Renato Diaz. Has accent. Pictures show tall, sophisticated and educated gentleman, well dressed with kind looking face. Thin hair blondish grey.
Ronda
September 18, 2020

In reply to by Sickfeeling

Sounds like the same guy I've been talking to. All, greyish blonde guy. Said he's a chemical engineer and wife of dead colon cancer. Has 19 year old daughter (Esther). Was my soulmate, etc. etc. until all of a sudden he asked me to buy him a laptop & asked for my Banking information. LOL, I refused and all of a sudden he got very nasty....Said his name is Tony Pence from CT.
Stop-scammers
December 15, 2021

In reply to by Sickfeeling

My mother has been chatting with a Renato Daiz for several weeks now. He did live video on WhatsApp which made it more believable. He sent pictures of himself. He is a man claiming to be in his late 60s very sharp dresser, owns Mercedes and a “home” in East Manhattan. Claims wife died from CKD. Wants my mother to buy a STEAM card from Walmart. Anytime anyone wants you to move to a third-party platform ( WhatsApp, google hangout, IG) to chat it’s most likely a scam. It’s the 20th century we all have cell phones.
DonnaP
April 21, 2019

In reply to by somebody2

These are all scams, do not send any money or gift cards. All of these scammers make contact on IG then ask you to go to Google Hangouts or WhatsApp. There is a page on IG called military_scam. I would advise you to follow it. So many women are not listening to that inner voice. These are Nigerians scamming women and men for money.
Taken advantage of
June 28, 2019

In reply to by DonnaP

The guy who scammed me. -said his name was Scott Adams. That he worked on a oil rig N had a wife who died during childbirth and But the baby girl was fine . He told me that he left his wallet at home in the states n needed money to fly to his house He kept saying he loved me. An he also asked for a I tunes card. He also says that he - much loves u. An then. He asked $$$ for his flight. To b able to get to his house n get his wallet. Then he will mention that his daughter needs money . His name Scot Adams
Jennifer
May 03, 2019

In reply to by somebody2

Hi im speaking with Brian Heaven and he is asking for game cards and he said he doesnt have credit card.I didn't buy anything and now he stopped to text me. I blocked him and hopefully and i reported to whatsapp He said is a ship engineer
Ava
June 19, 2019

In reply to by somebody2

Hi there, had one just recently, went by the name of Michael , on a ship, as an engineer, sailing on the south China Sea, had to stop at a port in -malaysia and needed to send all personal belongings and Money to me. Lonely heart, wife died of sudden death, no parents, no relatives that he knows of. even told me the name of the shipping company . do you think its the same guym«, very handsome to say the least.
twinmbjenn
July 05, 2019

In reply to by Ava

Ava, same here!!! Michael! Rig contractor, handsome, ......
Lucy
July 29, 2019

In reply to by Ava

Hi, what's the name of the shipping company he told you about?? Could you please send me photos to my email?
ysam
August 01, 2019

In reply to by Ava

hi can u tell me the shipping company i meet this guy name alessandro michael and he said he work in a ship and told me he send me some gifts but now i have to paid a custom cleareance throught a transfer some world courier services
Wandress81
July 04, 2019

In reply to by somebody2

I am dealing with the same thing. A man named Daniel Walter who is an engineer in a ship on the Indian Ocean.
not yet taken
July 23, 2019

In reply to by somebody2

I'm dealing with a Harry Christopher. Wife's dead, has a 17 yr old son studying in the UK. Oil rig engineer. Asked for Amazon cards because of broken equipment. Anyone else?
Not taken yet #2
October 19, 2020

In reply to by not yet taken

Some guy I friended on FB says his name is Michael Roberts from LA .Wife died from cancer 5 years ago Oil drilling engineer on rig in S Korea. 15 yr. old daughter studying in UK. He has 4 more months then he comes home. Insisted we chat on Hangout instead of messenger " due to the nature of his work" just met him yesterday. Haven't spoken yet but a whole lot of texting. He has sent me pics. They match with his FB. IComments?
noname
October 26, 2020

In reply to by somebody2

My grandmother is also dealing with a Guy named "Chris Miner" she met him playing scrabble on the phone. At first she told me and it seemed very innocent. I told her to be very cautious, tell them nothing and do nothing for them. She called me and told me that he asked her for itunes gift cards so he could buy an app for his job. Then told her he was stuck in the gulf of mexico on a rig because his guys were injured and they wont let him go until he pays for losses. Asked her to please log into his bank account. Had a man named Mr. Jamie call her and spoke to her like she was his wife. Very off to me so I started looking into it and found this blog. Thank goodness nothing happened and she was smart, but im sure this is happening to many women Wanted to share.
Terry
June 23, 2019

In reply to by sadabout humanity

Mine said he us a Chief Engineer. Call me my queen. Send him an Amazon gift card. His name is Steven Robert. Can we swap photos.
Meeka
July 18, 2019

In reply to by Terry

Sounds like my guy. Kept calling me my queen his name was Robert Lester. But when he first sent me a name he told me his name was Lester Robert. I searched his photos found out he’s using a gays guys Instagram from Spain. I have plenty of photos
Angel
August 07, 2019

In reply to by Meeka

Sounds like it could be the same guy I have been talking with. He calls me his queen. Also he said, please permit me to call you my wife not wife to be, I am totally committed to this relationship. This guy goes by the name of Ronald Carlos. Says he’s from Madrid Spain, his parents and wife are dead, has no relatives anywhere. He has supposedly lived in Carmel Indiana for 23 years. Him and his late wife are both from Spain. His wife Susan supposedly passed away from cancer 3 years ago.Says he’s an engineer on a ship. He’s done with his job and is now stuck in the Ukraine after almost cutting his finger off, that was one of the many reasons why he couldn’t leave the Ukraine. His latest is because he needs money to ship his oil drilling equipment. There is so much more I could write. I have pictures but I do not know how to send them or post.
yogi
July 27, 2019

In reply to by Terry

Sounds familiar. Called me “my queen” says he is a sub contractor for oil rig off the coast of of Louisiana. Says his name is Greg . Have pictures also I can share. Says he is of Dutch decent from Rotterdam . Divorced with a daughter.
Sammy17
August 15, 2019

In reply to by yogi

I've got something similar..on oil rig in Gulf of Mexico...from Germany, divorced and has daughter who is with ex. Says name is Harry (Harrison). Have pictures would like to know if same person
Suzie
July 18, 2020

In reply to by Terry

Guy go scammed me is a chief engineer in the Baltic Sea. Divorced, daughter of nine. German. Google cards and money needed for housekeeper. Lost 4K to him! Lots of emojis, laughing faces, hearts, ‘my queen’, poems and songs. I just found him out a week ago. Very hurt... very angry at myself for being taken for a fool!
Bnobull
October 25, 2020

In reply to by Suzie

Don't feel bad. He's very good at what he does. Pretty sure same or similar thing happened to me. Got me from Words With Friends into Google Hangouts. Has 14 year old son. Parents are dead. Independent contractor engineer in the Gulf of Mexico. Called me Queen, sweet words, very premature declaration of being his soulmate, from Nashville TN. Very convincing.
Sondra
March 27, 2019

In reply to by Bella

I experienced similar situation but not oil rig engineer, but a financial tax consultant in PWC. apparently. The case was different, he stayed with me and started telling me all sorts of sad story, about his mum got sick, his family doesnt care for him, his company gives him his pay through dutch bank, and at the end he ask me to borrow him money , again and again. Of course i did give to him, and came to the day, where he suddenly have to go back to Holland and then gave me all the excuses in the world he is not coming back etc. So when i decided to end it, and asked back for my money and all, he jus dissappeared. Met him on Tinder (dating app)
Lola
April 26, 2019

In reply to by Sondra

sounds like the guy i'm talking to now--says he's Thomas -- an architect in Canton, MS -- from holland --dad is deceased--moms alone-- would love to trade pics and see if this is the same guy (also met on tinder) all pics have a silly smile
mercedez
May 20, 2019

In reply to by Lola

I think I am talking to the same guy. Do you have a picture of him? Has he sent flowers?
Soconfused
September 15, 2019

In reply to by Lola

I’m talking to a Thomas that says he is a consultant . Been in LA 7 yrs moved from Romania. Just relocated to Bay Area 2 kids and his mom. Wife died from cancer 4 yrs ago. Lots of photos including what looks to be his kids. Sent a teddy bear. Mom Is now in hospital. Sent a photo of a women in hospital bed. Nice looking guy with beard. Always has a silly smile. I did a reverse look up of photo but nothing came up.
tati
April 10, 2019

In reply to by Bella

Can you send me his pictures I have almost same story but name is different I have Chris and trying to stop all the damage but reporting him he send passport and also oil contracts etc
Kootsiebella
June 19, 2019

In reply to by tati

He says his name is Dave Johnson. He told me he lives in Arcadia area of Los Angeles,CA. He claims to be the CEO and owner of his own engineering firm. He said he's Italian from Ireland and his wife was very ill and died 4 years ago.Ge has 2 children 4 & 6- Lisa and Harry,etc...
Babygirl2984
July 02, 2019

In reply to by Kootsiebella

Kootsiebella do u have any pictures of this Dave Johnson?
MINE
June 06, 2019

In reply to by Bella

I am also dealing with this guy from instagram for 4mos now. It seems that they keep on telling that they are not scammers coz they dont blocked us after sending them money. How come they can say it if we are the victims here. I wanted to shout out to his profile that he is scam and fake. Thats how they do it to make us believe that they are not scammer. But they have followers. How can this site help us if they cannot act instantly. We can give them all the info while we are playing with their tricks. We have their contacts that they can check while we are actively in contact with them. Hope FTC can help us. Mine involved the credit card details which they got from me.
Concerned
April 10, 2019

In reply to by Carusogirl

This guy sounds like the same man I was on whatwhats he called me his queen too says he stuck on a rig in Ireland sea needs money to pay the chopper to come pick him up to get home to his kids do you have a picture of him to send me he calls himself Jeffery?
littlelamb
June 15, 2019

In reply to by Concerned

i have same situotion.. he told me need settle his exit card n chopper. his name us Benjamin.
Kb
July 20, 2019

In reply to by Concerned

Sounds like the same guy im talking now.He said his albert willson he works in oil companies"oilfields".Hes wife died of breast cancer had a daugther.And his asking me to call the company and tell them Im his wife and to pay for half the money the company needed because of the drilling bit doesnt work.
Sandy
July 22, 2019

In reply to by Concerned

I sure would like a picture to compare I am dealing with Jeff Jansen.. wife died has a daughter and a dog dad died stuck in Malaysia, he had wallet stolen while in car accident now he need cash so he can stay and close a contract dealing with selling oil he has bought wholesale in China.. YOU GET NO MONEY HERE... lol. I think he is using someone else pictures.. how do I send pictures. I want to know if anyone has run across these photos
Mary
November 14, 2019

In reply to by Concerned

We might be talking to the same guy. His name is Jeffery too from Chicago. Left for Turkey for business trip. Now said he needs me loan him money due to some of his shipping equipments got delayed. He told me he’s divorced with a 14 years old son who is now living with his sister in Greece. I am not going to send him money. We have been talking for a month now and already processed his love for me . He calls me his Queen and my baby. He’s very sweet and calls me “my wife”. If I don’t send him money he would have to delay his coming back to see me. Good nice looking man with beautiful smile. Can we swap pictures of him?
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