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It’s Valentine’s Day and love is in the air. You may think you spend a lot on flowers or chocolate, but losing money in a romance scam would cost you even more. Last year, people reported losing $143 million to romance scams – a higher total than for any other type of scam reported to the FTC. And, according to a new FTC Data Spotlight, reports of romance scams are on the rise.

What do we mean by romance scams? We’re not talking about the person you thought was “the one” but ended up being a dud. We’re talking about people you meet online, who lavish you with attention … and then ask for money. Usually they want the money by wire transfer or gift card. They might claim they need it for a medical emergency or to come visit you. Then they take your money, but there’s no surgery and no trip.

Romance scammers are hard at work wooing people on dating apps and social media. They may lift photos to create an attractive profile or even steal the identity of a real person. Just like with real romances, it may take them some time to gain your trust, but the scammer’s payoff can be big. Last year, people reported a median loss of $2,600 from romance scams.

How can you avoid romance scams?

  • Never send money or gifts to a sweetheart you haven’t met in person.
  • Take it slowly. Ask questions and look for inconsistent answers. Check the person’s photo using your search engine’s “search by image” feature. If the same picture shows up with a different name, that’s a red flag.
  • Talk to someone about this new love interest. And pay attention if your friends or family are concerned.
  • If you suspect a romance scam, cut off contact right away. Then, report to the scam to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. Notify the dating site where you met the scammer, too.

For more information, read Online Dating Scams or watch this video:

 

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Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts
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Romance Scams
Zmn560
October 23, 2019

In reply to by Shirley

I am going through the same thing. He is an orthopedic doctor in the military in Syria from London with a 12 year old daughter at boarding school. No family other than her. I am his queen and he just got emergency orders and needs to ship his personal belongings to me. $1950 from a shipping company was what it would cost. He goes by Williams Beyan Ajebo, Kelvin Williams is his email.
My Love
February 19, 2020

In reply to by Lqh

Is this company by any chance named Express Go Alliance?
Andrea602@
July 11, 2020

In reply to by Zmn560

I have someone that uses Aaron Kelvin Willians. Loves using queen sweetness, love, etc. he is an Ortho Dr in Syria. Son 15 in boarding school in France. Wife died in car crash 7yrs ago. Wants to get married. Lives in Callie. Wants to put money in my bank account to pay sons tuition as school wants it early. My bank told a scam but I new he is a smooth talker. Talking for several months. Son wants a mom
Wineepoo18
January 31, 2020

In reply to by Diane

Mine was also an orthopedic surgeon from Afghanistan but no kids not married according to him. I'm wondering where did he say he was from?
Dee
May 05, 2020

In reply to by Wineepoo18

Mine was an ortho surgeon in Afghan too. Has a 17 year old daughter in a military school, starving to death, because his money is frozen due to the war in Afghan. Uh, that war has been going on for years. He got really mad when I wouldn't help. Met him on ScrabbleGo.
Sucker
June 15, 2019

In reply to by DrBsBFF

Do you have a picture of what he looks like and what is his first name
Ilovnascar
July 17, 2019

In reply to by DrBsBFF

Dear DrBSBFF, A ortho surgeon, Frank Hughes, was a scam. Divorced and 1 kid at Boston. Another guy, Williams Bravo did a romance scam on me. So sad. Then came the pitch, he needed $$ on a AMAZON CARD. Next came the 'consignment box'. He would send me the box-filled with $$,all I had to do was pay the delivery fee..5
Lee
October 22, 2019

In reply to by DrBsBFF

I have been playing words with friends with an orthopaedic surgeon in Syria, whose wife died from cancer, and has two wonderful boys back in US. He hasnt asked me for money as yet, and the game is nearly finished!! Haha. But he did invite me to join him for Christmas even tho i told him i am married. Thats when i got suspicious. His name is Kenneth Wilhelm. Apparently there are no UN doctors working in Syria. Be careful folks!
Glynis
November 21, 2019

In reply to by DrBsBFF

I have been scammed by a guy saying hes Dr. Wilson Scott, saud hes widower with a 16 yr. Old son going to school in Texas Wilson saud he has work in Turkey and lost his luggage and wallet. Anyone know of him ?
cindy
January 05, 2020

In reply to by DrBsBFF

Sounds like guy I’m talking to. Orthopedic surgeon, from Texas, he says. Says he has 17 year old son at Maritime Academy in California. Claims to work for the UN in Myanmar. Always gets angry when I ask him to call me. Only texts.
Be real
January 26, 2020

In reply to by DrBsBFF

Yes its the same fella except he told me he luved in New York but volenteered his services in moscow went thru the UN and have left when his wife and son were killed by a drunk driver luckily his other son was with him. Left his son in a hoarding school for 5 years now . His sons name is Kelvin. Had he is dr. Frank and he needs money to return home so i blicked him on whats app. And surpriseing enough he comes up with new numbers and is on kik as samson. Bunch of hog wash. And if he cant get what he wants he becones an jerk!!!!!!!
Annj
May 19, 2020

In reply to by Be real

Please please please, can you send me more details on this guy? I've one says his sons name is Kelvin!!!! Wife killed in Car crash.... Can someone please contact me with more details, he was crying on the phone to me now, saying how he needs me and he's not a scammer. Lives in California, working in Cyprus.... HELP ME, I've sne money ready he asked for more...
NH
March 24, 2019

In reply to by Frankie

I had the same experience, met through words with friends. Widower with 1 kid. Had an amazing job, but needed emergency funds. Unreal.
Agingmama
April 02, 2019

In reply to by NH

Sounds similar to someone I have been chatting with who is pressuring me for money. Widow with 12 year old son.
Don't use your…
June 01, 2019

In reply to by Agingmama

Similar story, son in catholic boarding school in Texas. Two day before we were supposed to meet he urgently needed 2,000 sent to bitcoin to pay for contacting licensed. If I didn’t send it he’d might lose a million dollar contract
Countrygal
June 23, 2019

In reply to by Don't use your…

Sounds much like the man I’d been involved w/2+ yrs! Yes, the little green eyed monster would appear off & on while I’d been committed to only him. I was raised with 6 brothers. He was telling me that he liked my sense of humor, religion, sincererly, thoughtfulness and more. It’s not an easy lifestyle but it work out awhile. After one year he started asking for the following: iTunes cards, google play cards n them the steam gift cards. As if those weren’t enough for 5months; along come requests for cash.. Oh not!!! Not. Then asks for a credit card so I can make purchases and hold onto his money until he gets home. I’m asking if he had money why ask me for all that stuff??? He needed cash to pay for extra equipment. Who really has to pay the suppliers for equipment? Wish we women would receive the answers that either are truthful or if not let’s us run for the hills. Where the heck can we find/get that king of infomation to keep us safe!!!!Thank Goodness for that “Pig Scam” site or scammers (.com or .org). All the sights that can help us women stay safe, keep food on our table for our children, clothes for school etc. let’s help each other out and get educated these guys scamming us. Lets do the best to help each other remain strong for the betterment of our children & ourselves!!! This man said he couldn’t take it if they were to loose this job; he was a few weeks (from his so called completion date. He needed 2,500k To pay for the equipment that he needed to finish the job. I have plenty of photos. Education from a prestigious university. Oh yes, he’s claiming he’s a supervisor & works on oil rig, after oil rig, The lead Mechanical Engineer/Welder and Supervisor of maybe 5-7 men..Really? You know what; answer how many years at the same kind of job, you bid contracts to start to completetion job yet didn’t plan for
Zara0707
October 01, 2019

In reply to by Countrygal

Sounds like the guy I am talking too. Needs money for oil rig equipment $15k. Accent, educated, claims Danish and widowed no family of any kind. Uses religion, Florida phone number. He even gave me a copy of Shell Oil contract. It had so many inconsistencies. I did my homework, verified the company signers and both never worked for Shell but Marathon. One has returned 5 years ago. My guy uses the name Roland Asger Moore and he has Instagram page. Email me so we can exchange photos
Sweetly
October 31, 2019

In reply to by Zara0707

This sounds a lot like the guy I’m chatting with. He’s in Germany for Shell Oil on a rig. Sent me a photo of him getting on plane and with suppose to be manager of job. Has one daughter in boarding school whose birthday just happens to be close. She wrote me which I believe it was him wanting 2000 plus for birthday plus 500 for dress. Can we exchange info please
Sweetly
November 05, 2019

In reply to by Zara0707

This sounds like a guy who just got awarded a Shell Contract for 13 million in Germany. Says he’s from Norway and wanted to put me on the contract so I could receive money from contract. I would order equipment in my name. I turned it down and then wanted money for his daughter in boarding school. He couldn’t leave the rug so could I just send it I said no and his anger came out. We need to talk.
Sally
January 26, 2020

In reply to by Zara0707

The oil rig part resonated with me! This one had a drill bit break out in the middle of the China Sea. Needed 7k at first but was able to get all but X amount. After a while he had all but 500. Here we are on a multimillion dollar contract oil rig and you don't have enough money to take care of unforeseen accidents…?! What's wrong with this picture?
Annj
May 19, 2020

In reply to by Zara0707

Please please please contact me. Please, I think I've been scammed out of thousands!!!!!! He said he needed bits for welding, described his job, sent me a copy of his contract with a company in California sound e
Pat-g
June 09, 2020

In reply to by Annj

What is your riggers name. Mine is an oil engineer trying now to get off of a rig. I have fallen in love with this man. He is from Denmark. Very well off.
Queen
June 17, 2020

In reply to by Zara0707

Hi Zara, Did his email address contain exceeding grace? Same here, stated broken drill bit's, sent copy of Awarded 24 millions Shell Oil Contract.... I Contacted Shell Oil, they confirmed that I was dealing with a fraudster.
Scam Help
October 03, 2020

In reply to by Zara0707

Could we connect? I believe someone I know is talking to the same man.
emma
April 22, 2019

In reply to by Frankie

I was playing boggle. A gentleman started chatting with me, then asked for my email. I have a couple, one that I specifically use for unknown people. We chatted via email and then he asked for my number. I didn't give it to him and tried to cut off contact, but he persisted and wore me down with his "kind" words. Within 3 weeks he said he was in love with me. Was supposed to come visit but last minute change, got a job in Hong Kong. Ok. Now he's in HK, calling me every night, every morning. Telling me about the job. Today, he has a problem with the job and he has $6k but needs $4k more. When does my bank open? I said I would help and then texted him, no. too many red flags. He said i am insulting his love for him. I am crushed.
Mosha89
April 29, 2019

In reply to by emma

. Emma i have a problem with a scaMmer. I am scared. On 24 april i start to talk with him. Donald Patrick but email adahydouglas on houngnuts app. Just send ME message. Was very credibile and tell ME to send 200 £ on western union and have 45 years i checked on google reversile photos and its scam.i give him detail from my Surcode and Account photos but i don't have money There. What i can make to be safe i talk also now with him. I don't speak a good english. Please help me with Information
nanacarol50
November 17, 2019

In reply to by emma

What was his first or last name if you can share may be same guy talking to me
nanaCarol 50
November 29, 2019

In reply to by emma

I am also talking to guy who completed a job in HK but was in wreck on way to airport and is still there but needs money for better food to eat. What was your guys name. The guy I am talking to has first name of Jackson.
grrrandma
April 23, 2019

In reply to by Frankie

also met a great guy on WWF...played the game for months suddenly he was in love with me and wanted me to get hangouts...i eventually relented and he also had me set up a hangout with his daughter...lost his wife and parents in auto crash....i chatted with both of them...they definitely seemed to be different people. she boosted his happiness since meeting me and called me mom with which i was very uncomfortable...watch out for scammers introducing you to other family members...seemed VERY credible until i spoke with him on the phone...very eastern african accent. said he adopted it to better communicate with his workers...he was doing civil engineering project in...you guessed it...nigeria. BE CAREFUL.
molly
April 26, 2019

In reply to by grrrandma

I just wanted to know if anyone has heard from a scammer who calls himself Jeffrey Witcher in Ghana . He is a supposed uniformed officer and I met him on PO F. He already insinuates I have to help him out. I have looked him up he is real but I am not sure. He was in Afghanistan. He told me he had many scammers steal his pictures and info and I checked there is about 20 different facebooks. I just want to make sure he is not one of the scammers.
Dee
May 08, 2019

In reply to by molly

Hi Molly, I believe you and I are engaged in conversations with the same person only mine is in Syria. I have seen the photos of Jeffrey Witcher and coincidentally they are the same photos. Mine too claims to have had his identity stolen by "intruders". I would love to compare notes but don't know how to get a hold of you without posting personal info on a public forum.
Rebel@0724
August 27, 2019

In reply to by Dee

I have tried to get him to show me a recent picture. Deleted him from WhatsApp and he called me back from a cell phone. I have talked with him since April and now I have been told he needs money to come home. Pay for a stolen weapon. I am not sending my money over there. To date his real Facebook has been deleted.
Lfire28
June 02, 2019

In reply to by molly

Yes, he is a scammer! Jeffery Whither from US, working as Civil Engineer in Turkey. Pretty much, same story! Be careful!
Peech911
June 11, 2019

In reply to by Lfire28

My mom may be speaking with the same person or someone with the same story..only he goes by Parker Walters, with the name Chris Walters on his email, and Chris Morgan on his Hangout. Same story, civil engineer stuck in Turkey because he owes over $50,000 in taxes. The email address he uses is Superchris 045@
Grace
October 29, 2020

In reply to by molly

I'm currently talking to someone who claims to be in the Gaza strip working for the NSA! How stupid do they think we are!
44Rayn
May 24, 2019

In reply to by grrrandma

OMG, I think we may have talked to the same person. What name did he use?
Journey2019n't…
May 25, 2019

In reply to by grrrandma

I think I have been talking to this guy too on Hangout. Same story....
HollyBj
June 18, 2019

In reply to by grrrandma

What was the name of this guy. I think I am in contact with same guy. Wife died in auto crash 7 years ago. Bringing up daughter on his own. she spoke to me wants me to be her mum. Happy that I am making her daddy so happy. etc. Goes by name Raphael.
Mia
July 17, 2019

In reply to by HollyBj

i think we are talking with the same guy.wife died in accident and has a daughter name kate.presently in ghana dealing with his inheritance and badly need money because he was holdup by hoodlums in ghana.his name is daniel dailey but now i saw the other name is frank.oh my
Nighthawke
August 18, 2019

In reply to by HollyBj

Be careful this sounds like the same man that scammed me. Wife died in car accident. Daughter emailed me very friendly. He also told she thinks of me as her mother. I learned if you haven't met them in person it's a scam. Don't send money.
Upset & Hurt
January 02, 2021

In reply to by HollyBj

This sure sounds like the guy I was talking with for quite some time. He came up with all kinds of stories and also sent me photos of the rings he bought for me when he was coming to Canada. What a bunch of lies!!!! Don't trust any man you meet on a Dating Site ever!!!!!
#Pissed
September 23, 2019

In reply to by grrrandma

grrrandma, I think we are being scammed by the same person, he sent me an email by markharisson 39@ and his daughter sophiechris 21@ . His daughter is living with a nanny and going to boarding school, lost his parents in a car crash, sent gorgeous pics of himself and his daughter who is has african american features. When his "daughter" emailed me she was calling me mom too. He has spoken with me on hangouts and tells me he loves me, called me "wife" and wanted me to be a beneficiary to his company's retirement, and a parcel was to be delivered to address, even showed me a picture of the briefcase. I had my attorney talk with him and confirmed with me he is a scammer, because he requested the beneficiary form, but was never given to his fax or email. He went by the name of "Mark Harisson." Unfortunately I gave out my cell phone number, and have given my phone company double security access to information. He had asked for various gift cards. He even said his daughter had a school trip to Nigeria and gotten sick and could not reach the doctors and needed to pay the doctors and was unable to because he was in another country.
#plzhelp
October 02, 2019

In reply to by #Pissed

My friend is talking to someone named Werber Robinson. Daughter is in boarding school and has a nanny. He tells her he’s coming home in November. He has not asked for a dime but did ask her to go into his bank account and do some kind of money transfer because he said he was going to sell ammunition for the army?! It was like a million dollars. She is totally in love with this dude but I know it can’t be real I just want to have all the proof and I don’t want to see her heart broken WHAT DONI DO
MiaDon't use y…
November 13, 2019

In reply to by #plzhelp

I’ve been talking to sounds like the same man by the name Patrick Wendall
TiffanyAqua
December 17, 2019

In reply to by grrrandma

I think you and I have been victims of the same scammer. He refers to his daughter as our Daughter. When he is connected with me on hangout, she is also connected. When he is not she is not. I think I am his actual victim. He told me he was based in Afghanistan, now he is based in Nigeria since September I guess. The only way for him to be connected with me is me sending him steam cards every month. I have a picture of his daughter she is supposed to be 5 years old He asked me to send him money to pay for her school fees. Yesterday I wanted to send him a package for Xmas, but he said he has to pay to get the package from a post office outside the base in Nigeria. I am so confused and ashamed of myself, right now. But I think we are dealing with the same scammer. I have a picture of him and his daughter. Can you help me, please? I am so confused I live in Europe.
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