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Image of cupid and heartNot everyone using online dating sites is looking for love. Scammers create fake online profiles using photos of other people — even stolen pictures of real military personnel. They profess their love quickly. And they tug at your heartstrings with made-up stories about how they need money — for emergencies, hospital bills, or travel. Why all of the tricks? They’re looking to steal your money.

As if all that isn’t bad enough, romance scammers are now involving their victims in online bank fraud. Here’s how it works: The scammers set up dating profiles to meet potential victims. After they form a “relationship,” they come up with reasons to ask their love interest to set up a new bank account. The scammers transfer stolen money into the new account, and then tell their victims to wire the money out of the country. Victims think they’re just helping out their soulmate, never realizing they’re aiding and abetting a crime.  

Here are some warning signs that an online love interest might be a fake. They ask you to:

  • chat off of the dating site immediately, using personal email, text, or phone
  • wire money using Western Union or Money Gram
  • set up a new bank account

Did you know you can do an image search of your love interest’s photo in your favorite search engine? If you do an image search and the person’s photo appears under several different names, you’re probably dealing with a scammer. And if the person’s online profile disappears a few days after they meet you, that’s another tip-off.

Here’s the real deal: Don’t send money to someone you met online — for any reason. If your online sweetheart asks for money, you can expect it’s a scam.

Unfortunately, online dating scams are all too common. There may be tens of thousands of victims, and only a small fraction report it to the FTC. If this happens to you, please report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

A woman looking at a dating site on her computer.

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
  • We won’t post comments that include vulgar messages, personal attacks by name, or offensive terms that target specific people or groups.
  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

Ontohim2019
February 24, 2019

In reply to by Notstupid2018

So what happened with this guy? I am talking to someone who vlaims the same and i google image searched the pictures and he was using pics from Alessandro Squarzi. A very good looking Italian.... so i wont be speaking to him any more. Now i dont trust anyone!
hooker64
November 04, 2018

In reply to by coffee1966

I have been speaking to someone named Alex Mason his wife died 10 years ago he has an accent and supposely is on Greece , he made his mom skype me but she couldnt talk just type because she had a stroke. He lost his bag at airport with laptop, phone and Iphone watch he keeps asking if I can get this and he will repay me in 2 days
Scammed in States
November 22, 2018

In reply to by hooker64

Is he British? Disconnect right away. I fell for self employed guy, traveled to London for work. Architect. Everything of course went wrong. Then he needed a Iphone and Mac computer. This is a classic scam. Went by name David Delone.
Jack Joe
November 05, 2018

In reply to by coffee1966

This is so sad as the more people spend working or move closer to work the result is more lonely people who wish they weren't. And these people are still people, cruel ones but still people goimg right for the heart! Having a place to live, food, money in the bank, none of it fills the desire most single human beings ca4y with them that deep desire Not be alone. Our gut knows when something 'feels' off. Just can't let that Other Voice that says "Ah... maybe it's really just like they say it is". Go with your instinct never Send Money to an online stranger. Peace.
Gism
November 17, 2018

In reply to by coffee1966

Have you figured out if harris mason is for real? Just curious as I have been talking to someone with very similar info on Instagram. He is listed as harrismason307. Hasnt done anything wrong or asked for monies but Im not real trusting by nature, so kinda have been searching to see if I could find any info on him. Please let me know if you have ant idea if this is a scam. Thanks
beenscammed
December 04, 2018

In reply to by Gism

I think that Harris Mason307 is the same person as _nelsonadams. Same set up.. wife died in car accident, recently moved to San Diego, has a 10 year old daughter he drops off with a Nanny when he needs to.
Gism
November 18, 2018

In reply to by coffee1966

Well Harris Mason on Instagram is a total scam....BEWARE. Its only a matter of time before he ask for $ or iTune card!!! Figured something was up. Just mad at myself for wasting time talking to him. Of course would never send $ or purchase card.
3Dolli
December 02, 2018

In reply to by coffee1966

Same here. I am chatting with a guy named Manson Harrison. His wife and son died 5 years ago during a car accident and his daughter lives with a nanny. He works on a rig but will retire soon. He is not the first one trying this crap on me. He contacted me through Words with Friends.
Insa
December 04, 2018

In reply to by coffee1966

Same story with me!!! he sent me comments and same story about his son and his wife who passed away in the bed from brain caner. his son Jason. and his name now is Spencer Grant. On Instagram is blue.spencer5. He was under different name when he started to write to me. then he changed his nick name. when i asked him why, he said for some reason.. He probably forgot that he started to talk to me under a different name. Then he tell me that his some birght is coming. and he said his son wants to talk to me . and he is only 11. so I said ok, since he probably miss his mom. when i started to text with his "son", that person asked me almost right the way that he wants me to get his PC game for 200$. finally i said no my dear, i will never send money to nobody i don't know in person. So please girls be careful with that kind of predators!! I m Russian, so i know this kind of stuff.. I wrote to him, don't mess with Russians. he replied, what are you talking about hahaha. I said you will get your karma, scammer!!!
mags
January 02, 2019

In reply to by Insa

a very similar story...his name robert cohn bradley, but i found his pic in google under different names...
Sicily
December 08, 2018

In reply to by coffee1966

A guy by the name of kylomason has the same story of his wife being killed in a car accident and he has two kids, a boy and a girl. Claimes he lives in SanJose, CA and is a DR.
disapointed3212
May 24, 2020

In reply to by Sicily

Has anyone out there had something to with an Army officer in the secret service. He's in Dubia right now. He is sending me a package and said I might have to pay for the over charges. He asked me if I liked jewelry and I told him no, so he is sending me perfume. But when I got the invoice on email it is a 200 lb package. Now thats a lot of perfume. There is a lot of things that makes me think he is a scammer. But that was the one that kind of clinched it. Very handsome. Ive done all the searches, and can't find anything. Told me he loved me right off the get go.
Iamayahooboy
June 25, 2020

In reply to by disapointed3212

There is nothing like secret Army , what he sent is fake invoice that was created by them just to make you trust them then later they create fake story that will make you pity them. Before you know you already been scam.
Duped
July 08, 2020

In reply to by disapointed3212

I meet this guy on WWF. Same story. Lots of use of the term “trust me”. I did not trust enough to send money. And, so unsafe to bring any kind of package into our beloved country. You feel so hurt but at least I wised up.
SUNSHINE
June 15, 2020

In reply to by Ninni

Been talking to a guy named Gideon Jones. Started on Instagram and quickly asked to download the app hangout. Claims to be a 1st Sgt in the Army.. said he was in West Africa on peace keeping mission. Anyways... after talking for a bit he said he wanted to leave the military and spend his life with me. He supposedly flew back to the US after taking a leave but I've still never met him but he sends pictures of himself. Now he's claiming to send me a box from Nigeria but when I was contacted by the shipping company (county cargo) they said I needed to pay for the box and the taxes or I wouldn't get it. Sounds fishy... anyone getting something like this? He seems sincere but I don't trust anyone!
Brokengal2020
June 17, 2020

In reply to by SUNSHINE

Ive so recently being talking to a guy i met on pof he very quickly asked me to add hangouts said some beautiful things to me made me feal food about myself again promised to never hurt me said hes being deployed to west Africa for a mission
SUNSHINE
June 19, 2020

In reply to by Brokengal2020

I do wish we could upload photos here so we would all know all these guys!
Worried daught…
May 09, 2019

In reply to by coffee1966

Sounds identical to mother in law story name is different and says he's from New Jersey but boarding school and oil rigs but she refuses to believe he's a scammer she plans on marrying him. Curtis Ford is the name.
Worried daught…
February 06, 2020

In reply to by Worried daught…

Update mother in law still in contact with curtis he says he ready to retire she still hasn't met him in person he has her send money every week and cards she hid phones inside teddy bears and sent a computer to son he has her totally in love with him
Kosteczka78
March 08, 2020

In reply to by coffee1966

He has been talking to me since a year..Harris Mason...wow
Mich1234
May 02, 2020

In reply to by coffee1966

I am also talking to a Harris mason for 2 years now. Claims he is a contractor in Alaska. Always asking for money. I have many pics of him. Please send me a pic so that I can match it with your pic you have of him.
Mims
July 12, 2020

In reply to by coffee1966

Harris Mason also going by Harrison Mason is now on Words with Friends
Embarrassed
October 27, 2018

In reply to by M

I think I am talking to the same guy now. Tells me his wife passed away during the birth of their 3rd child. Has 2 kids 13/16 in boarding school while he is working on a contract in Nigeria...
scammed.
December 28, 2018

In reply to by Embarrassed

This story is very similar in what I’m dealing. I had this guy asking to follow me on Instagram. Said he was looking for a friend and saw my profile picture wanted to get to know me. Of course I asked who he was and told him I don’t know him, why are you wanting to follow me a complete stranger. Anyway he was full of compliments blah, blah. So I thought why not. This was a little over 2 weeks ago. He goes by the name of Mike Rogers23 supposedly from Huntsville Alabama, but raised in Norway until 5 years when he relocated back to Alabama. He is widower with 2 kids, 19 and 21. His wife died giving birth to their 3rd child. He claims he’s a business man with a mining co and his working in Turkey on a contract. Wanted me to go to the Hangout app to chat there. Said because of his job and hours this was the only way he could communicate. I got pictures of him and his kids but now believe it’s not him or his family. His grammar is suspect for one thing and when I told him I lived in CA he asked if I was in Canada. Other conversations tells me he is a foreigner. Bottom line he has bought gold in Ghana or so he says and needs to have it sent to the states to someone he can trust. He’s claiming to have fallen in love with me and wants to marry me only after 2 weeks. Wanted me to be the owner of the gold and receive it at my home. Mind you he’s telling me to not say anything about us or the gold and when is job is finished in Turkey he will come for me and his gold. Supposedly he made all financial arrangements and had a barrister/lawyer draw up the change of ownership documents at a cost of $950 and then today found out there’s 5,750 more to be paid for the storage of that before it can be shipped. He’s expecting me to pay it. It’s a scam thru and thru. I fell for it almost. I feel so stupid but I see from other stories I’m not alone. Thank you for listening.
anitaclark983
March 08, 2019

In reply to by Embarrassed

Hi I think I had a scammer on my Instagram account and I’m not sure how many more scammers I have talk to it is very scary when you’re out there looking for love that Israel and us up hurting you The guy I was talking to on Instagram was a commander Kim Wilson has a daughter daughter in the UK and his school and she needed $1200 for a school thing and he really tried very hard to push me to get it Pham that kind of money but I have been scammed once fifth for us and I did not give and I think that was the best thing for me not to do and it is unbelievable how many guys are on Instagram dressed in the uniform and trying to pressure women into giving them money that tell you anything they’ll give you what they want like the one asked me if I could send him some money he was in Africa on a piece mission and his wallet was borrowed stolen with his credit card his phone and everything and he has no money to buy food because he cannot eat the food there cook over there in the commissary I have not given and how come these people are not put in jail It can really hurt you in the way you feel for them and then you feel really stupid
S. Weaver
May 15, 2019

In reply to by M

I met s guy on Facebook a few weeks ago. He loves me has sent me lots of pictures. Dr. Jeffrey Grey from Yemen Asia . Says he wants to come home and be with me. Any advice will help . He want $200 in iTunes cards said he can process his leave then. HELP
Leah44
June 22, 2019

In reply to by S. Weaver

Hi do you have a picture of him because I been talking to a guy met him on fb his 39 and his a 6 year son and his parent dead in car accident 25 year old say his from coca Florida say his went to Afghanistan for basic boot camp then after now his in Abuja Nigeria they went over there fight Boko harma that his need document to be pay for him return home from training and your story sound the same as mine it might be some person but used a different name but his never ask me move hangout or my email address but have ask for steam cards and amazon cards sometime every other day asking for other favor
MadMom
April 03, 2018

In reply to by Charma

I think I’m dealing with the same guy.. Black & grey beard. Glasses. Claims his name is Fred Mike Abbott. US Army in Nigeria. Widower, 10 y/ o son. We’ve been chatting 3 weeks. He’s loved me since day 3! Sadly, he lost his wallet just before we started chatting! He’s really pressuring me to send him $409! Heartbreaking!
Concerned1az
April 18, 2018

In reply to by MadMom

I got a message from a Jessica Brooks Precious on face book. Stated saying she loved me and wanted to get married within one week. Asked for $675.00 for a car note or it would be repossessed! Told me I could send it to Gregory Porter in college Park Atlanta through Western Union. The pics were gorgeous and younger then the stated age. Send my money to someone i don't know!!!! Sorry I'm not the one!!!!!
good stories
July 06, 2018

In reply to by Concerned1az

looks like women aren't the only ones , I had a girl get into my messenger somehow said we had met somewhere but she couldn't recall where , and I certainly couldn't but I kept chatting with her and by the next night she said I was her soul mate and looking at her photo I was falling for it quickly , by the 3rd night we were set to spend the rest of our lives together , then came the hardship stories and said she needed money badly , I started catching on and then seen her message was sent by phone from Nigeria but said she lived in Illinois , I hit the brakes and blocked her instantly , so the guys are getting too
Plasticman77
February 08, 2019

In reply to by good stories

Oh yeah I’m getting sick with trying To get a girl in my life who was I need to buy her contract has anyone encountered that she said she love me instantly I am recently divorced and my ex screwed me up. I am easily swayed by a pretty face and sweet talk. And her talknis the sweetest I have ever heard. So far sent 2000 dollars US and I need to send her 3500 more so I can fulfill her contract I send the money to the Philippines and It goes to Michael Claude Pertos not the girl I’m trying to marry basically I wish nothing more than to marry this girl but it never ends anybody near if this
Mistermr
March 20, 2019

In reply to by good stories

Im also currently talking to the perfect woman. Her name is Jessica James from Basil, Switzerland. Needs bit coins for passport and misc fees to be able to fly to me.
Noonesfool
January 09, 2019

In reply to by MadMom

Hi, I am talking to someone sounds similar black and grey beard, sunglasses, but by the name David Cotton.
Janice1
March 13, 2019

In reply to by MadMom

Can we up load pictures . I think this is the same guy I was talking too bald glasses black n grey beard. French Businessman wife died 5 years ago has two sons in school talked for almost a month then he went on a business trip and needed money . Never sent any but he was very persistent finally I blocked him
lucky
June 14, 2018

In reply to by Charma

I was contacted in the same way, using the same story except the son was in a boarding school in Atlanta. I google searched the photos and they belong to a doctor in Brazil who has a verified account. I have blocked this person and have also contacted the doc whose pix were stolen. I also reported it to Instagram
Louwho59
December 24, 2018

In reply to by lucky

Was his name Dr. Scott Martinson??? (He is using the photos of an actual doctor in Brazil!!!) He is supposedly an Orthopedic surgeon with the UN. His wife and daughter were killed in a head on collision and died. The son’s name is Robert... and attends boarding school in the UK. Robert had to go to West Africa to complete an IT program. A taxi driver took him to the hotel but alas stole his computer and bag with his medication in it. Scott, the dad, said Robert was stranded in an unknown location. I said I would say prayers for the taxi driver’s heart to be soften and return Robert computer and his bag, especially since I had no money to help buy anything. I have not heard from either of them...My crisis was averted!!!!
steerclearkids!
January 21, 2019

In reply to by lucky

can you describe the pics because i have pics of a very good looking doctor who's kid attends boarding school in Georgia..has to be the same one
Vick
June 24, 2019

In reply to by steerclearkids!

Hello, I am talking to someone who contacted me on Elite Singles online service. He sent me pictures of himself with a dog and another picture of 2 girls of 9 & 7. Says his name is William Gary and he is a doctor in Florida. However, his profile says Las Vegas Nevada, but the phone is from Georgia... Says his wife died 3 years ago from cancer and his daughters are in the boarding school. Speaks with accent. Says he is originally from Scotland. His English is very primitive and grammar is poor. I can't beleive that he has a doctorate degree.
tictac
October 08, 2019

In reply to by steerclearkids!

I was contacted by someone who said from Elberton Georgia. He is a doctor work under MSF organisation in Kabul Afghanistan. can I have his pic
steerclearkids!
February 08, 2019

In reply to by lucky

can you post a pic?? sounds like my guy..really handsome ..actually says he's a doc working in Afghanistan..goes by Frank Kelly
BooBee123
March 10, 2019

In reply to by steerclearkids!

I also have been scammed by a guy named Kelly JACK pretending to be a soldier in Afghanistan asking me for money very good looking works out in a gym
Lydia
June 26, 2018

In reply to by Charma

Charma and Hillary, I've just been talking to a guy who says he is a doctor working for the Doctors without Borders in Syria. Says he is widowed with a 9 year old girl in a boarding school in the UK. He says he is Dr. Roland Smith. When I look on Facebook, he has two different ID's and one is that he is a doctor in Damascus, Syria. The other has little info, and the picture is different. Sound familiar to either of you?
Jake
June 29, 2018

In reply to by Lydia

Yeah he's a big fake. Fake Facebook someone else pic. Think..if a kid is in boarding school the dad must have money to put the kid there. Why does he need your money? My online friends are the ones I know offline. He's a fake there's no kid. He's probably a scam guy in Nigeria. Drop him brake off all contact!