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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
bank account
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military
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online dating
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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.

BranStan77
May 13, 2019

In reply to by mrsjewel

What is this contractors name? Did he ask you to set up a bank account so that he could transfer money and use it because he canceled his credit cards?
Wasiscammed
May 16, 2019

In reply to by mrsjewel

I’m currently in a similar situation with someone where the location and situation is very similar. I wonder if this could be the same person. OMG
kirana
June 19, 2019

In reply to by mrsjewel

Same here. He uses the word hoodlums to describe his attackers in Kalimantan. Introduce himself as an engineer. Loves bomb me with marriage, babies and visiting me in my country. Some things don't add up.
Helen
June 10, 2018

In reply to by Rose2018

I had talked to a guy who didn’t know me. And we didn’t each other. The first thing, He also asked me to send a 100$ iTunes card. But I just sent a 50$ card. He said he cant online if he doesn’t have. The second thing he made me confused: he had the mission in Allepo-Syria with his colleagues collected 2millions usd and a lot of bar gold. His own share is $54600 and 5 bar of gola. He would like to send me this amount from the third person (his friend) to kept it safe for him untill he back home from Syria. He said he served in Us Navy . I just ask him this amount legal or illegal. He assured that 100% legit. But im still confuse. If is that legal why they cant send it to their bank account in USA and not have ask somebody else’s hands???? I need to you guys recommended or advise
FTC Staff
June 11, 2018

In reply to by Helen

You can't use an iTunes card to go online. The iTunes card is used only to buy music, apps or books.

The story about finding gold bars is not true. The US Army has warnings online about scammers who pretend to be US soldiers. The online warning says soldiers do not find large sums of money and do not need your help to get that money out of the country.

Scammers tell people they found money, because they want people to pay to receive the "shipment" of money or gold. But there is really no shipment of money or gold. If you pay the taxes, fees or import duties to receive the "shipment," you will lose money.

JMYS
October 08, 2018

In reply to by FTC Staff

They use iTunes to subscribe to services like SmartLine Second Phone Number to create more local numbers to trick other people and pretending they are from that state. So my advise it to STOP sending ITUNES card to all. Same for Google PLAYSTORE.
Lost in love
February 10, 2019

In reply to by FTC Staff

My concern is regarding a beautiful young woman who professed her love for me. I have text messages, pictures, of our conversations. After a few days she said she loves me. Sent me videos and pictures. She had my belief for a short time until I started digging. Supposedly she has cash from hundreds of acres of land she sold in West Africa. She even sent me a picture of her passport. Has two travel boxes held by a security company. This company is legit but the email address is a bit different than the company name. Sent me details of the shipment. Said she is aware of African government officials will take her money if they knew she had it. She wants me to pay to have these boxes shipped to me. Then she will feel comfortable to leave the country and join me. Then we can be together. My concerns are wouldn't 15.8 million weigh quite alot? Also wouldn't the security company hold her boxes without intruding for a period of time? I'm just curious and will hear from her in the morning or when she sends message. I want to share my detailed info with the correct agency to stop this person from taking from anyone else.
not_about_to_b…
April 19, 2019

In reply to by Lost in love

Sounds similar to a retired beauty (a widow) who I've been chatting with who is now on her way to Africa to sell land owned by her deceased husband. Hmm...? She wants to continue our correspondence while she is away but said it would be a few days before she wrote again. Hmm...? She's told me multiple times how "impressed" she is with me (no woman has ever used that word with me in a pre-dating situation). Hmm...? Also said my "line of job" was interesting. Huh? I guess I'm waiting for the email that will ask me for money...or to set up a bank account...or whatever. But I'm ready for it and won't be duped.
Kasey
June 22, 2018

In reply to by Helen

don't do it. Thank God my loss was only for ITune cards $550.00. He recently wanted more for a box of $$he was sending me but it got held up in Transit in a foreign country. Let me tell you I did some real sleuthing and got to the bottom of it. He is now blocked. Goes by the name of Ryan Leon Jeffrey stationed in Syria, Medical surgeon with the navy.
Kasey
August 21, 2018

In reply to by Kasey

do u have a picture of this guy, I am pretty sure I am being sweet talked by the same guy
Sandra
September 01, 2018

In reply to by Kasey

send me your e-mail address and I will send you photos. He is currently in Madrid and wants 8000.00 US to get his box of money out of custos
Jenny
October 15, 2018

In reply to by Sandra

Please send me photos of him as well. I think it's the same guy I've been talking to.
spring
January 11, 2019

In reply to by Jenny

The same guy uses photos of different people to make fake profiles. Exchanging photos is completely meaningless.
Heartsick
February 13, 2019

In reply to by spring

Anyone familiar with AnthonyCScott- Major deployed in Syria Damascus - from Long Island New York has a gmail CharlesCScott. too — Jamaican accent strong at first ! Madly in love wants to get married and live in Canada after a week and more !
KMEH
March 18, 2019

In reply to by Heartsick

Hey - did he contact you off instagram? I was approached and and chatting with a guy that in Aleppo and Damascus. His sister has thyroid cancer, hes got gold and is trying to get is sent here but cant bc various reasons. Blonde, has a compass tattoo on his chest?
Zoescott
April 26, 2019

In reply to by Heartsick

Mine , Anthony Scott Graham admiral in navy, was deployed to Syria Damascus from Boston, for last 7 months been talking wants to marry, even had me carrying on conversation with his daughter who is 17 years old in boarding school in England, he's now stuck in Israel needs help getting home, because he can't access is bank accounts for security reasons, i broke it off about 2 weeks ago, the story never ends on why can't get back to usa
Cassandra
July 01, 2019

In reply to by spring

Exchanging photos isn't completely meaningless because if they turn out to be the same photo then at least the ladies who have been conversing with the so called 'soldier' will definitely know that their being scammed due to them all having the same photo, no matter what name the scammer is using.
Don't use Deey…
January 15, 2019

In reply to by Jenny

love interest in Martina Franca works for eni oil. Has box of money needs fee to process 3500$ Rob Michael didn’t pay any as I don’t have any was not asked for cards
Been Had ?? us…
April 23, 2019

In reply to by Don't use Deey…

Since October I have been involved with a man on line who texts often and has sent me multiple pictures of himself and children he also sent a beautiful bracelet. Claims he is military and in Texas. He has never called me nor sent a letter and will not take a selfie am I being played and how can I find out who really is in the photos?
sussiemac
January 01, 2019

In reply to by Sandra

Hi, please can you send me pics of this scammer. As I was nearly scammed too, wanted I tunes card and then went from that to asking for money to be sent too him and into his bank as he was out on oil rigs in manila, Philippines working and couldn't get funds. Would appreciate pics too see if its same person.
Trisha
March 04, 2020

In reply to by sussiemac

There are no oil rigs in Manila just to let you know. Glad you got out of being scammed. These men have no remorse at all. Please be careful.
Deborah
January 31, 2019

In reply to by Sandra

I have been chatting with someone who claims to be an army captain statioed in Syria on a peacekeeping mission. He has declatred his derp undying love for me. He asked me to accept a package for him. Then suddenly I needed to send 800 to get the package out of Germany. He hevmcame very upset. Now he wants me to give him my cell ohone account information so he can order phones for Syrian orphans and charge it to his credit card. I have said no to both.
Linda
March 24, 2019

In reply to by Deborah

Deborah, did he use the name Billy Harry? I got someone with the exact same story, yet hasn’t asked anything of me yet. Also said that he was from Miami, Florida. We have only been texting for 24 hours. I became suspicious because his wording in the texts isn’t typical of that of an American citizen’s. I’ll let it play out to see if he asks for anything. What would be the chances of having 2 army captains in Syria on a peacekeeping mission? We’ll see what happens!
jill
March 25, 2019

In reply to by Deborah

Deborah What was his name or do you have a picture? Sounds like the guy I was talking to.
Chin1125
February 20, 2019

In reply to by Sandra

Hi Sandra, Can send me the photo too, just want to make sure it is the same guy..
Glo
May 18, 2019

In reply to by Chin1125

I had a guy ask to.bemy friend on facebook about 4 monthscago. The pictures of him were of general douglas frasier. After talking for about a week he ask if i would start using the Hangout App to talk to him. He said his wife and daughter were killed by gunmen 5 years ago. He said he has a 15 yearold son in a school.in new york. He says hes in afghanistan right now on a peace mission. After a month he starts telling me about a box at global securities that has his million dollars in it and need s someone to acc e pt it for him here. First its 5,000 to get it here, then its 1500.00 he needs to send his son in school and no w its 35,000 because the person bringing the money is held up in customs for fees and tage and such. Of course he wants to marry me and of course loves me more than life. He says he wants to leave afghanistan but i will need to send a private jet for him another 30,000. No I am not going to send any more money. He already got me for 6500. How could i be so stupied. He uses the name of jason Carser and pictures of general.zdpuglas Frasier.
Lulu
April 23, 2019

In reply to by Kasey

Can I have the picture of the guy too? I think it is a same person. Sweet talker
Don't use your…
April 10, 2019

In reply to by Kasey

I’m talking to a medical surgeon also by the name of Michael James Spittle who just retired in military from Europe stationed in Afghanistan then transferred to Nigeria doesn’t have money to get home however found 17.2 million in diamonds wanting 10000 dollars to ship to me
Heartfelt
April 18, 2019

In reply to by Don't use your…

had the same thing happen to me except he was in florida. He was very persistent I tried to block him but he showed up somewhere else, On Facebook or Gooogle We’re you guys ever able to exchange photos When I refused to give him Yeah don't be fooled. I wasn't. I was waiting for him to ask money he went another route and asked for pay his friend to his borrowed he treated me because he has a fake nude picture His name is FRANK HILTON Yeah don't be fooled. I wasn't. I was waiting for him to ask for money. REPORT A SCAMMERS!!!! Please reported that guy
Who is WHO,night owl
May 23, 2019

In reply to by Don't use your…

I'm texting with a general surgeon for the Who, handsome 6'1, pleasant but doesnt sound too smart. He brags about how much money he has, beautiful cars, most expensive perfumes, house in Milan, dead cheating wife of course, and retiring from the world health organization soon and ready to grow old with the first woman he meets on Jswipe. Beware. Dr. Dave Belman , in Kabul, Lol, wont come up in any search cause his work is top secret...
SunshineDon't …
May 10, 2019

In reply to by Who is WHO,night owl

WHO is World Health Organization. He told me a bunch of colleagues were captured and killed so the WHO erased their info on the internet...hahaha
Sunshine
June 07, 2019

In reply to by Don't WHO use …

Dr DAve Belman scammed me from March 13th until recently. Claimed to be a General Surgeon for the WHO/UN in Kabul. He is very good. Used pictures of a handsome man about 6 foot , Italian and German, from Milan, went to school in Seattle Washington, son name Kelvin in boarding school...blah blah blah.
Layla
July 01, 2019

In reply to by Who is WHO,night owl

Dave Belman His name is coming up a lot lately! Who is WHO, night owl described him exactly, with slight differences, but he is a smooth romancer, I too am embarrassed, but in texting and talking to him on Chums and WhatsApp I realized now, the questions he asked caused me to tell him my vulnerability. I am a widow, I lost my husband of almost 40 yrs. Unexpectedly from a heart attack. We sat down for dinner at home, and that was it, he died in my arms. I was so deep into my grief and I let my guard down. I’m angry at myself, because I got so caught up in everything, that I foolishly gave him about half of my entire savings, which was not much to begin with. Now with Social Security as only income. I am in dire straights! “Could you send money “ ha. It helps to joke a little, otherwise I would lose the rest of mind. Dave Belman is not one person, I read where they take shifts talking to you. All the signs were there...sometimes it was the same accent, but sounded younger, and I heard others in the background. I heard an angry woman talking in another language, and a small child crying or squealing . He would say he didn’t hear anything, it must be on my end. I knew it was a scam toward the end, but it was too late. I wish they could find these people! But the damage is done. That is why we have to keep warning others.
Anna
May 24, 2019

In reply to by Don't use your…

These guys seem to find me and I like to mess with them. They tell you how much money they have, I don’t have enough money to come home?
Kittenhead95
April 20, 2019

In reply to by Kasey

I am going through the same same circumstances right now if it is possible to send me a picture and name anything in about this person please do so as quickly as possible I am like right in the middle of it right now . Kim.
Don't use your…
April 08, 2019

In reply to by Anon

Has anyone come across the name Morrison EUGENE Morrison EUGINE
Sharn
May 08, 2019

In reply to by Don't use your…

I'm currently chatting with a guy called Morrison Eugine. Do you know anything about him?
Cookie
June 06, 2021

In reply to by Sharn

Talk awhile to James Morrison widow c 2 kids and another engineer, always take talking on Hangout and 3 weeks need money
Lee1894
June 18, 2019

In reply to by Don't use your…

At the moment I have morris walker on mine there's not much originality when it's coming to the names
Daisy
October 06, 2018

In reply to by Helen

Helen. A friend of mine got tricked by someone claiming to be Sullivan. He claimed to be a US soldier based in Syria who won the battle against ISIS and the president of Syria gave his team a lump sum of money and a bar of gold. He claimed he sent the package to her to keep for him. The tracking number from Planet Logistics worked well until it hot to a state close to where my friend lives. She was asked to send money to help clear the package and she did. Anyway it will only be a matter of time before the FBI catches up with those evil scammers. God is alive he is not sleeping
ArizonaGuy
December 14, 2018

In reply to by Daisy

Hi Daisy, I am sorry about your friend but I need to say that my friend was tricked by this same guy. This Nigerian is very slick. He actually has my friend believing he loves her and sadly she now has feelings for him. His initial profile on Instigram is Anthony Sullivan, a decorated soldier (Stolen Valor) and he approached her with that profile until finally getting her on a video chat in which he showed him self to be Nigerian. He says he goes by the name 'Pride' and that he told her that he has scammed people in the past and is reformed and gave her some sob story about him losing his mom. He claims he is coming here to Phoenix to be with her in March and is totally playing with her heart strings. It is just sickening. No matter how much I try to explain things to her she is just caught up in his web. This man is sick and calls her many times daily. I wish there was a way someone could catch up to him and make him stop his scamming of women. He has multiple phone numbers but the one I was able to get from her was 734-288-7932. The Instagram profile he uses is anthonysull48 and he talks to women using an app called 'Whatsapp'. I wish the real soldier shown in his Instagram profile could be found. I tried to get on her phone with him and he just hangs up because he knows im not going to fall for his nonsense. I feel so sorry for my friend and all women this Nigerian man is manipulating and wish there was something that can be done to stop him. Scamming people out of money is a horrible thing but a woman's heart is not something to play with. I hope someone can stop him.
kookie63
October 31, 2018

In reply to by Helen

I’ve been talking with a guy that says he is a USA soldier stationed in Syria and that he found gold and money while in a mission. He wants my address and phone number so he can send me a box with money along with a ring as a proof of his love for me. But I’m not stupid I told him I’m not gonna do that and that I don’t give my personal information to no one. And I don’t believe that story and that he picked up the wrong woman to scam. I immediately blocked him on Google Hangouts. Just in case he goes by the name of Dave Wellington so please be careful with this guy.
MM
April 19, 2019

In reply to by kookie63

Hi I have just experienced the charm of Dave Wellington. Similar story just that he was sending me some gifts and then it turned out that I had to pay for customs clearance. I can’t believe these scums make a living out of genuine people. Watch out for this guy girls
Rdc
September 22, 2019

In reply to by MM

I have been chatting with Dave Wellington from Nashville says hes 57 yrs old, single, I am wondering if this the same guy
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