Looking to start a new relationship? For some, that may mean meeting a new love interest online. Word to the wise: sometimes it’s best to lead with your head and not your heart.
Millions of Americans use dating sites, social networking sites, and chat rooms to meet people. And many forge successful relationships. But scammers also use these sites to meet potential victims. They create fake profiles to build online relationships, and eventually convince people to send money in the name of love.
The Federal Trade Commission receives thousands of reports each year about romance scammers who create fake online relationships only to steal their victims’ money.
Unfortunately, an online love interest who asks for money is almost certainly a scam artist.
The FTC’s new infographic, developed with the American Bankers Association Foundation, lists common signs of online dating scams and what to do if someone you meet online asks you for money.
Below are some tips to identify a real romance versus a scammer cruising for a target.
Please share this information with others. Victims may be embarrassed to talk about their experiences, but you can help. A simple phone call, email or text, saying “Look what I just found” and sharing this information may make a difference in someone else’s life.
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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.
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In reply to Im sure im being scammed but by Karenina
In reply to Did anyone scammed by the guy by Cindy
In reply to So I was in a relationship by Chamberspolk
When someone threatens to reveal your personal information unless you give him money, he is attempting to commit criminal extortion. You can report that person immediately to your local police, and to the FBI.
In reply to When someone threatens to by FTC Staff
In reply to How do you find the real by Terri Withrow
In reply to If you meet on Facebook and by Terri Withrow
In reply to What if a person is asking if by Sherryrn1
When you meet someone online and they ask for money, they're probably a scammer. We have a special blog post about scammers who pretend to be celebrities. Don't send money to that "mananger," and don't give him your credit card number.
In reply to The scammer I had was by ChristinaDon't…
In reply to I am talking to a Man with by Sdasari
In reply to Anyone have a Tony Perry? He by Iluvaruba
In reply to Can you send me pics of him i by Kingsleytina19…
In reply to Anyone have a Tony Perry?? by Iluvaruba
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