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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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military
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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.

Turkey2
March 30, 2018

In reply to by Bevernsberger62

Hi I have a potential scammer that just went to Turkey too, same date, the construction business is his too. Apparently he is from Germany and has a son. this guy has asked for my address to send me gifts. Still trying to work out if he's a scammer and the angle. Wouldnt mind more info to compare
Turkey 3
April 06, 2018

In reply to by Turkey2

Hi- we have the same story but this time it's a daughter. Went to Turkey, business trip and need Itune cards. Do your photos have him holding a beer can and a photo of the great wall of China? This guy was German, too. Mark Adams (Armin)
AlmostConned
April 11, 2018

In reply to by Turkey 3

I’m communicating with a “Steve Adams “ says from Boston and had to go to Turkey for 3-4 weeks $7 million dollar job. Hasn’t asked for anything yet but trying to figure his angle. Sweet talker, I’m the love of his life, he’s a widower no children..his Company isn’t located in Boston where he is supposedly from..there is one in Missouri...any input would be helpful
Libra
May 26, 2018

In reply to by AlmostConned

I was chatting with a man,blonde holding a can of beer went by name Bobbie Serder. He worked on oil rig with 11 yr old daughter in Visalia. Got mean when I refused to send him 1200, his machine broke. Another man Robert Green, needs money for his computer, then his phone broke,needs a ticket home, now acct. Is frozen. Buddy give it up. They need a job. Do not send anything.
taurus
July 01, 2018

In reply to by Libra

Hi.. can you send me some pictures? My mother also has a chatmmate named Austin Randy who is a Civil Engineer in London but has to go to Indonesia to get some money who was left by his dead father. I think he has not asked for anything yet and he also video calls my mother. But I just want to confirm if he is also a scammer. I really hope you can help me. Thank you.
Latinlady
June 02, 2018

In reply to by AlmostConned

I was chatting with a steven adams on face book then he delete his account told me to go on hangouts he is a sweet talker he also told me he has a daughter in the UK boarding school but he told me he is a doctor but in Afghanistan
Matured dating site
June 11, 2018

In reply to by AlmostConned

Been talking to a guy Rick Billy Stankovic from Boston been in turkey for a few weeks.. engineer.. divorce no kids.. asked for iTunes Cards very small amount 50 bucks Wanted me to wire money to Missouri.. to top it off wants me to receive 500,000.00 for him and hold it in my home until he comes to Ca for me. Completely in love with me calls me his wife Says he will be here end of June.. let’s see if he shows up! No way am I doing anything he wants until I face the guy
Bella
July 24, 2018

In reply to by AlmostConned

Was communicating with a Hale Christenisten said he was from Bronx New York..had a company steel Rod had to go to Turkey.he said I was love of his life and we were going to spend rest of our lives together..Constantly texting me with images of hearts and Roses.. Then when he said he was in Turkey.his American express card would not work and could i pay his Hotel bill€30000 ............ I knew then he was a scammer.I said I don't give money to anyone. That was the end..
Caddykatty
April 29, 2018

In reply to by Turkey 3

Hi my story is very similar I am talking to a Darrien Williams he says he is a contractor on oil rig. Has not asked for money yet. Has anyone els spoke to him?
Maddy
May 11, 2018

In reply to by Caddykatty

Hej, YES, I have it, Gary Wiliamson. He asked me for money. We're talking on the Wats app. I broke up the knowledge and blocked it. He has a 16-year-old daughter in UK in boarding school. He works on ship at the machines. He is suffering from a mysterious disease. There is no medicine on the ship for his disease. I need money to buy.
Icyhale
May 23, 2018

In reply to by Caddykatty

I have a person in Houston name is James Oscar Eligar has 2 small kids says hes going to Turkey to wk on an oil rig anyone heard of that guy?
PIMDU
May 28, 2018

In reply to by Turkey2

I have contact with the same person I guess. He told me that his name is James. Same story as yours. wanted to send me gifts as well but I refused. tel. no. is 001 6313644583. He said he is reguale living in Dortmund. I tested him and asked for Duisburg but he did not say that it was wrong.
So Over Him
June 06, 2018

In reply to by Turkey2

Turkey2, I have been emailing and talking on the phone with a guy that sounds like the same guy. I have a picture of him and his son. This guy wants my address to put a business in my name. Please let me know if you want to compare notes.
helping my friend
April 23, 2018

In reply to by Bevernsberger62

Can we somehow share photos? My friend met a guy via plenty of fish. similar stories. This guy's mom lives in scotland and the mom will email my friend. the guy owns a construction company and is from the USA and is in cyprus turkey on a job but suddenly something is wrong. He needs some paper to get paid. the company won't release money because of him not having the paper. I am trying to help my friend. I cannot find anything on this guy with internet searches.
Artemiscopio11
May 07, 2018

In reply to by helping my friend

I met a guy on POF called Samsom Svendsen from Lund, Sweden civil engineer he stays his wife cheating on him with his best friend and died in a catastrophic accident with his daughter 4 years ago too many inconsistents in his information samdsven@ engineer. com
vbryant77
May 21, 2018

In reply to by Artemiscopio11

I met this person, if you want to call it that, calls himself, Robert James or James Roberts, from Scotland,via, New Jersey!!!! Which he claims he NEVER WILL return!! His wife and newborn died in childbirth (tragic), then his younger girlfriend cheated with his best friend!!!! Has anyone got nabbed by this idiot??? I do have photos also.
Outoftheloop71
June 04, 2018

In reply to by helping my friend

I have been to asking to a guy I met on Our Time. I have fallen in love w him. He has own construction company, is currently in Lamarca, Cyprus. Has no kids, no family, widower. Cannot access bank account sounds familiar can u please send photo He is also from Germany, and has lived in Rochester NY, Austin , Misquite Texas, Tennessee, LA
Freebird
June 23, 2018

In reply to by Outoftheloop71

I think I am talking to same guy. Has an accent. Salt and pepper hair. Beautiful blue eyes. Says he is in Nicosia Cyprus. His name is Wesley Sean Hallberg.
KM
October 29, 2019

In reply to by Freebird

Hello! I might be talking to the same guy. Not sure if you've kept pictures of him, though. Please let me know if you have.
Freebird
July 03, 2018

In reply to by Outoftheloop71

Think I have been talking to same guy. Want to exchange pictures?
LOUIE731
August 17, 2018

In reply to by Freebird

How can I send you a picture to see if you are talking to the same person as my friend?
Moxie girl
January 25, 2019

In reply to by Outoftheloop71

I met an intelligent man on Instagram who was polite and very soft spoken with an accent. He said his name was Shawn Hallberg from Auburn, AL, and was a widower with no children or family. He fell in love with me instantly and sent love songs and messages often. He said he owned his own construction company. He went to Texas for a week to vie for a bid on a huge job in Cyprus which he said he did get, but he needed a $500 iTunes card and a $500 Vanilla card to travel because his banking accounts were being scrutinized by the company who awarded him the bid. Of course, I turned him down saying that I had never met him and didn’t even know if he was who he proclaimed to be. After he got to Cypress he sent a couple of photos that looked legitimate, however, it didn’t take long before he asked for money because the Cyprus authorities said he had to pay taxes on the property that he was constructing and his workers had been arrested. He feared for his safety and had changed motels. What a scammer!! I blocked him, but he still had my phone number. Later he called and asked for just any amount I could give him. What a jerk!
Freebird
July 03, 2018

In reply to by helping my friend

Hi Same story here from a guy on pof. Want to exchange photos?
Melloodee63
July 17, 2018

In reply to by Freebird

My guy goes by the the name of Frank Leon or Piero Leon. Birthday is 3/23/65. He is also in Nicosia Cyprus stranded (for 3 months). Has a daughter, Lisa, 16, who lives in Sweden with his mom. His wife died. Has asked for iTunes. says translator told him how to do it. Yesterday had a banker send me a check to deposit in my account to send to him. Fortunately, I recognized it and had my bank hold the check. I just can't figure out why he is still professing his love even after I told him I knew the check was fake.
LOUIE731
August 17, 2018

In reply to by Melloodee63

IMY friend has been talking to a Shawn Leon, who just changed his name to Frank Leon, he said he is in Turkey also, do you have a picture?
Vonski
September 04, 2018

In reply to by helping my friend

I just stopped talking to a man who was suppose to be in Cyprus Turkey working on a construction job. I met him on eharmony. His name was Wilson Scott. He also goes by Eric Johnson. Someone else mentioned that she talked to a Scott Wilson. Same sad story. He talked about someone named Dennis Abbott a lot as well. Please report to anyscam.com, the FBI and the FTC. We have to do what we can to stop these people.
Yaz
July 30, 2019

In reply to by helping my friend

I'm chatting with a guy online and he goes as Nicolas. Claims he's from Cape Town in South Africa. He is a civil Engineer with a teenage daugther. We were arranging a day to meet and then suddenly he had to go to Turkey to sign a deal..then suddenly he had to start working on his project..then 1 day he asked me to buy him some airtime and I didnt..I ignored his requests by making excuses. Then he asked me if im being rude just coz he asked me for some airtime so that his South African sim card does not deactivate. Then today he got all upset with me..saying that coz of airtime im suspecting him to be a scammer. Then he said good night tonight with emoji kisses etc. But then said if i cared for him I would send the airtime tomorrow. What should I do now.
Km
June 06, 2018

In reply to by Sweets

I am so sick to my stomach...i am talking to guy that claims he works on the in water oil rig platforms. I know he is most likely to be fake...but when he calls we have great conversations... yes he keeps asking me for Itune cards which I don't understand...i told him I was on to him and he reassures his love for me...i even have told him if we can't be lovers let's just be friends..because he does make me laugh. He has back stepped on where he lives and even his Name.. he goes by Nicholas Watkins Juaquin. Nicholas Smith..from Michigan. Brazil Atalnta and Florida...
Shazplace
December 26, 2018

In reply to by Bevernsberger62

I have been talking to one named Roberto Lorenzo from Dublin, lives in St Louis. But is in Turkey on business, construction is an engineer. Has a daughter in college in Canada. Told me he lives me by day 2, met online dating site. Have video talked, talking via Viber app. Hasn’t asked for any money yet.
Lulu May
December 27, 2019

In reply to by Shazplace

He will don’t send him anything. I have been talking to him since May. Supposedly from Florida. Has a daughter and Son . They are in Manchester, England. Widower. Wife die 5 years ago auto accident. Civil Engineer was working in Turkey and needs money cause he send all money to a bank account that was format and can’t get access til he that’s there. Don’t fall for that. Take care.
Jm77
March 24, 2018

In reply to by nicolyculkin88

Hi I think this guy is messaging me as well, I have a photo of him, if you don’t mind would you post the photo so I can see if it is the same person?
kelly h
April 07, 2018

In reply to by nicolyculkin88

my mother in law same situation with a ship captain and a daughter in boarding school. we have a pictiure also and i’d lime to compare.
Sclasunshine
August 13, 2018

In reply to by kelly h

I am also talking to a captain of a ship that has a daughter in boarding school and I do have several pictures of him. How can we compare these pictures? Does he have a beard and wears glasses sometimes? Please let me know.
Francesw
August 22, 2018

In reply to by Sclasunshine

I'm also talking to captain of a ship with a son in boarding school would like to a pic. Of who your talking to
Dmiss strawber…
October 12, 2018

In reply to by Sclasunshine

Hi I was talking to captianof ship also went by the na.e Thomas .Did reverse look up he was married and gay even.Got a hold of real guy. The scammers keep using his pictures.
YittaCA
April 09, 2018

In reply to by nicolyculkin88

Hi Is this man suppose to be working as engineer in Texas?
Terrylynn
April 27, 2018

In reply to by YittaCA

Yes I had same thing engineer working in Texas off shore say He can’t use his card to get home just not right his name is Chris Met him on Christian Mngle it’s sad can’t trust Christian Dating sites either I guess I wasn’t suppose to find true love I’m ready just give up on it since can’t find any good men That doesn’t want money or iTunes

Td
May 07, 2018

In reply to by Terrylynn

I am.talking to a guy named Chris Woods on words with friends who is supposedly on oil rig who was robbed in Malta Spain and a widow with 2 girls who says hes in love with me Always asks for money
CBR600
July 12, 2020

In reply to by Td

The same guy is talking to me right now lol. Chris Wood lives in texas with a teenage daughter. Wife died of bone cancer. Just got awarded a contract in Mexico. Hasnt asked for cash yet
Duped77
May 08, 2018

In reply to by YittaCA

Hello, I was also talking to someone from the Coffee meets Bagel app and he said he was an engineer working in Boerne, TX, but he had to leave before we met and go do a job in Turkey and I didn’t hear from him for a week, then he came back on and said he was robbed and at first he didn’t ask for anything, but suddenly he couldn’t pay his hotel bill and he couldn’t get a hold of anyone from me in all of the US. He also said he was originally from Russia but moved to Cali as a teen and was now a citizen. He got upset when I told him he was a scammer after asking me for money and made me feel pretty bad and yes, got pictures of me and my family. I’m glad I’m reading this thread because it’s going to help me move on pretty quickly. This guy went by the name James Jimmy Wayns or Luka.
Cool5gigi
June 30, 2018

In reply to by Duped77

Been taking to a guy named Thomas Glass said he lived in Denver, has a Verizon Denver cell number. Then he went to Turkey working as an engineer and was mugged and left with no money or papers. Says I'm his soul mate and all he wants is to come home and take care of me, he's a millionaire, lol. Can you share a pic.
SkepticalMe
August 25, 2018

In reply to by Cool5gigi

Please send a picture. My mom has a nearly identical story. Thank you
adc
April 26, 2018

In reply to by nicolyculkin88

I hope that you will respond... My mother is talking to someone on an oil rig also. Thankfully she has not sent him any money, but he is chatting with her and now even having his "daughter" chatting with her. She is 18 and living in Texas with a nanny while he is in Alaska working on an oil rig.
Don't use your…
May 02, 2018

In reply to by nicolyculkin88

Please can you send me pictures I think my grandma is being scammed by same person
Tutte
June 01, 2018

In reply to by Don't use your…

I have been scammed of a man Alexander Freeman is working on an oilrig ExxonMobil In Canada a son called Anthony 16 years old, living In Cape Town
Ashleysman
May 24, 2018

In reply to by nicolyculkin88

Can some one put the mans pic up my mom has a guy named James diago she has pics of him I want to see if it is the same guy
Furbaby
June 21, 2018

In reply to by Ashleysman

You give me your email and I will send you pictures it sounds like the same man I've been talking to for a while his name is Anthony Adams or Anthony Scott or Scott Anthony.
Furbaby
June 22, 2018

In reply to by Ashleysman

All you have to do is ask Google to look them up.. I just looked up Alexander Freeman.. Scammer s d they took me to there site even has a picture of him..
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