Consumer Alert
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With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you or your friends might be thinking about love. But not everyone is — some are just looking to get into your pockets. Read on so you can spot and report scammers before they trick someone you care about out of money.
Romance scammers might contact you on social media or dating apps saying they want to get to know you. It’s true love, they say, but they live too far away to meet. Maybe because of work, or because they’re in the military.
Then they start asking for money: it could be for a plane ticket, surgery, or something else urgent — or even to “help” you invest in cryptocurrency. In fact, check out the just-released Data Spotlight for the low-down on the lies that romance scammers use to bait their trap — and to see how much money they raked in last year.
So, how do you spot a romance scam?
- If an online love interest asks you for money, that’s a scam. Period. Don’t send a reload, prepaid, or gift card; don’t wire money; and don’t send cryptocurrency to someone you met online.
- If someone appears on your social media and rushes you to start a friendship or romance, slow down. Talk to someone you trust before you respond.
- If you suspect someone is a scammer, cut off contact. Tell the online app or social media platform right away, and then tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Most importantly, talk about what you know with your friends and family. Romance scams can be particularly complicated because once they start, it can feel embarrassing to talk about them. But let your friends and family know that you’re there to listen. You could help save them money — and heartache.
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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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February 09, 2023
I think I might be in a scam situation right now. I was first contacted by a guy approximately two years ago. He reached out to me on the Fitbit app and then moved to the WhatsApp. Here's where I'm confused. YES I have sent him gift cards for his work and for transportation back home. I've been limiting contact with him somewhat but he has two boys that I have also sent gift cards to for things for school. However I'm thinking that even though he's sent pictures of him and the boys I'm feeling like he's hacked someone else account. He's wanting me to send him $4800 for his travel agent to fly him to the United States. Apparently he lives in Houston he's widowed his kids are left in the care of a family friend. I've refused to send him any more money and now he's verbally abusive to me and I don't take any messages from him. I'm guessing (along with embarrassment) that I've been scammed. I kept trying to help him out bc of his kids (their mother has passed away) but I'm thinking that there is no kids. Could this be a scam? I'm thinking it is.
February 10, 2023
In reply to I think I might be in a scam… by Roberta McGee
Roberta,
There's good news and there's bad news. The good news is that there are no children going without necessities because you refuse to give this person more money. The bad news is that this is because it is 100% a scam. I'm so terribly sorry that you are one of the thousands of people that are taken in by this each year.
Please block this person on all social media and report them to the authorities. As soon as possible find someone you can trust to talk to (in person) about what has happened to you, you are not alone. This was a serious breach of trust and a crime that was committed against you.
Be well, Amber
February 10, 2023
In reply to I think I might be in a scam… by Roberta McGee
Yes Roberta it's a definite scam. They're very good at what they do. This is a job, career for them. I've experienced more then once. They start off taking an interest in everything you do even religious interests. Please trust your instincts. The first time this happened to me the guy asked me to invest 5 grand in crypto currency. I said no. I don't have that kind of money. He tried guilt tripping me into doing it. I cut off all communication. The next guy also used religion but he did something extra... he video called me through Facebook messenger. So I knew what he looked like. But Roberta it was a definite scam because he quit his job and started asking me to help him attend school. I won't lie to you I did help him at first but I realized it was a scam. I'm not rich, not by long shot. His asking became more elaborate. Because of me facebook deactivated his account but he just created another one. I Limit my association on social media now.
February 10, 2023
In reply to I think I might be in a scam… by Roberta McGee
Sounds like classic scam methodology.
February 10, 2023
In reply to I think I might be in a scam… by Roberta McGee
If your gut tells you, it's a lie, then it's a lie.
Stop sending anyone you don't really know (like in person and can verify they are who they say they are) money.
Also, don't volunteer. If they try to put you on the spot...tell them that you have to weigh the information. Let them wait it out.
Good luck!
February 24, 2023
In reply to I think I might be in a scam… by Roberta McGee
Yes, you are being scammed. I had a man contact me online a few years ago. He said he was a widower, had two children and that he lived overseas. He wanted me to send him money for a camera of all things. He sent me photos of his family and in one of the photos was a beautiful blond woman. I asked who she was, and he said she was his late wife. That the picture was old and that was the only one he had of him and his children. This went on for a couple months until he asked me to send him a hug amount of money so that he could come to the US to visit me. I let that hang for a few days and then cut off all communications with him. Now, as I said this as a few years ago. I'm so luck that I never sent him a dime. I heard another woman had conversations with him. So, I figured he was looking for someone who had deep pockets. Well, that was not me. I would just stop all communications with him, do not give him anything, phone number, address etc. I hope you stay safe.
February 24, 2023
In reply to I think I might be in a scam… by Roberta McGee
Lady don’t do it. That guy is lying to you. Why he leave his kids with someone and be already living with there own parent. So that’s another lie. Don’t offer any type of funds to any person. That person has own problems with money he can apply for cash aid if he is that broke. And if the wife died. He should of received death benefits for the kids. Did he show you proof he received that. I bet not. He is using someone else’s pics to make you feel bad for him. To lure you in his trap. And the guy already being abusive is another sign. Block him. Block the number on WhatsApp too.
February 10, 2023
All the scammers are on Facebook if Facebook continues to let the scammers survive on Facebook shame on them Facebook has to be vigilant about their screening of real people and scammers it's all on Facebook
February 16, 2023
Dear ftc.gov webmaster, You always provide helpful information.
February 27, 2023
I met a guy online who is an SSgt in the US army and a paratrooper....apparently. He says he is retiring from the military at the end of next month and applying for permanent residency in Australia as his mum is Australian. But he wants my mygov username and password because he said he needs 3 aussie citizens to verify him. He said his mums 2 friends have helped him out. I mentioned this made me uncomfortable giving my personal info. He said he was disappointed but it was my choice if I didn't want to help him. So he doesn't seem to be pressuring me BUT he said he was upset that I thought he wasn't genuine. He sounds like the perfect guy. He can't video chat because his phone got wet on a jump. I can't find any info on him. No fb or insta and I can't find him google searches. Is there anyway I can find out if he is real. Said he's based in Seattle but has been in Texas with work this last week. Any advice would be grateful
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