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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
bank account
fraud
military
money transfer
online dating
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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.

Brina95
February 18, 2018
Has anybody heard of the name jerry smith says his daughter lives somewhere in newyork and his wife and son was killed in a car accident please if you have let me know my nana will not believe me that he is a scammer using her for money and promising to come see her and dont
jobibex
February 20, 2018

Always start by running a Google image search on the profile photo used in any social media or dating site. Scammers are either too lazy or too stupid to use photos that obviously look fake but we make it easy for them when we don't bother to right click on the photo to see what Google says about it

AZMamaBear
March 04, 2018

In reply to by jobibex

OK, help with this one! I've done a google search and there's nothing (not even the fake fb profile they set up) except it keeps trying to link his pic to 'beard" and shows pics of guys with beards
Patricia
February 19, 2018
I believe my aunt is being scammed too, met a guy on an app, immediately took it to WhatsApp, name is Taylor Hawkins ( And if you Google, is a drummer in the top fighters so you're only able to find info on him) he's from Burbank California, his wife died, he has a 16 year old son in Burbank . He's in the military based in Ghana. Thing is, She's so smitten she won't believe me. She's gonna think I'm trying to ruin her relationship. She plans on quitting her job and moving to the "USA" to be with him
Grace24
February 19, 2018
I have recently been scammed as well. It is truly disgusting the extent in which these scammers go to. I had an elderly lady claiming she had cancer state to me that God chose me to help complete her mission in helping those in need. I’ve developed a close relationship with God and so I was easily talked into this. But don’t get me wrong I was still about skeptical. She had a lawyer and even sent me pictures of herself at the hospital. The bank contacted me as well as the lawyer in separate emails. I began to research the bank when a large amount of money was being asked of me. I then decided to directly contact the bank and it was at that moment when the actually bank contacted me and verified that it was in fact a fraud. Very disappointing but an eye opening experience. God is great and it just bothers me how people can use His name in vain to take and steal from people who are just seeking to do good and help others .
Lori g
February 19, 2018
I’ve been talking to a guy named Jerry D Freeman . After about a week we talked on the phone. Then he wanted me to send him 500.00 in Itune cards. 4 of them for 125.00 each. I told him no and he got very angry. So I did a google search on the picture and found probably 20 names each on insta gram Facebook twitter snap chat and all different names. He told me his wife passed away 3 years ago and has a son 14 daughter 13. He has a San Antonio phone number Colorado Texas New York and more. Now he is telling me I love you so much sends pomes talks how god put us together he wants to marry me cry ect ect I have now blocked him from phone and all apps. But here is the funny thing I’m married and very happy. Husband said to ignore him and we flagged all accounts. Ladies be careful it is not like the old days. Because I met my husband online 14 years ago.
melissa
February 19, 2018
Does anyone know a mark gilbert a contractor supposedly. Currently in Japan in love with me and everything but too many times have asked for funds. I can't afford with what I have much less being to support him and we have never met. What can you tell who is real and not real when its obvious that I have fallen for him. What if he just going through hard times himself? Knowing I can't send him money to support him but I am having a hard time letting go and I know I should. When we first started texting he immediately said he was going to work on this contract and he did not ask for my opinion or anything. He be calculating in his head what I make which I know now really annoys me and he still asks for funds he says it is for food. Is anyone else going through this?
Cancan
September 10, 2018

In reply to by melissa

Same name " Mark Gilbert" had sent me friend request recently on Facebook and I accepted even by name itself I knew that he is a scammer. I just wanted to tell him to stop stealing and using photos of innocent people. Obviously he is a brainless idiot. Just ignoring what I am trying to tell him and rather insisting to proceed to his dark mission using "copy & paste approach" of their ready made conversation. Please block him now before he totally lured you to hell.
Sunflowers
February 20, 2018
I was contacted by a Scottish named , Morgan Cook early January 2018 and quickly getting involved romantically. It’s like strongholds from demons seduction cause you falling into their lie and easily falling in love . After one month constant messages confessing his undying love for me he said he went to Brazil for construction work . He said he ordered equipment from U.S and needed money for tax . I told him you are a con man and he got so mad and asked why did I putted on Facebook if I don’t want to send him a money . They are organized scammers target who are lonely and vulnerable women all over the world
happenedtometoo
February 20, 2018
contacted by a guy going by the name of Sergio Carlos on Facebook. His phone number has an area code of 530 which is in or near Davis Ca but he claimed to be in Long Beach. Chatted for a month then asked me to buy him an itunes card. when I refused he got angry and dissed me. lucky me. anyone else been scammed by him?
Sun delong
February 20, 2018
I was contacted by Morgan cook from Scotland claiming that he owns construction company . Within a few days of exchanging messages he professing his love and despite my intelligence I fell for him . I believe the reason many women falling in the scheme cause highly emotional messages are very romantic cause they use poems and seductive language . Also it’s demonic stronghold cause deceiving spiritually . He said he went to Brazil for building a new projects and asking for money within a month of knowing him . When I told him he is a con artist and he told me I shouldn’t be on Facebook if I don’t want to deceive from him. I deleted .
Bulb
February 20, 2018
I've been talking to this guy via facebook then on hangouts... He was quick to declare his love... The name is Nathaniel James, single, stationed in Syria with the UN peacekeeping force... He has a daughter and he wants to buy her a pet... Sadly his credit card is inactive and he wants me to pay the pet store for the Irish Wolfhound that his little girl wants...
Oscardoodles
March 05, 2018

In reply to by Bulb

Hi Bulb, do you have a picture of him to share as this sounds very similar to my experience only he says he has a son and is keen to buy a dog when he returns
Di
February 20, 2018
Hello, I need help. An airforce man, is asking me to help him pay for a plane fare for his other son to go to Abu Dhabi. Him and his son are deployed in Syria. He is real, I have video skyped with him a few times and he has given me his link to his work. He is an adjutant general for a state. He said that his sick son is in Abu Dhabi and has a rare disease and he needs a blood transfusion. His older son is also deployed in Syria like he is and he said his older son to go to Abu Dhabi to guarantee that the hospital bills will be paid. He also said that due to security concerns, he cannot pay for it from his personal account because that will raise red flags in the military. I am at a loss as to what to do here. As I said, he seems legit because we have video skyped and I have no doubt that he is who he says he is....please help
FTC Staff
February 20, 2018

In reply to by Di

The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command has warnings about people who pretend to be soldiers.

The article says: Soldiers have medical insurance for themselves and their immediate family members (spouse and/or children), which pays for their medical costs when treated at health care facilities worldwide. Family and friends do not need to pay their medical expenses.

Di
February 20, 2018

In reply to by FTC Staff

Hi Bridget, He does not need me to pay the medical bills, he needs the money so he can buy a flight for his other son from Syria to abu dhabi, so his other son can guarantee the medical expenses for his brother...
American97
October 15, 2021

In reply to by Di

It’s not just men women have gotten into it to a total of about forty women I have blocked online some of them even threatened me claim there’s a war going on that they need money to reclaim a videos of themselves
Joseph
March 05, 2018

In reply to by Di

Di...Don't be fooled...He is NOT in the Air Force, I retired from the US Air Force, and believe me, the military takes care of their dependent children,he may look and sound American, and he may be, but nowhere does it say that the scammer has to be a foreigner
baby girl
March 21, 2018

In reply to by Di

dont fall for it. Soldiers have all the help they need more for fam issues. They will do anything in there power to get u..believe me I've been there. Hod bless u..
Shirl0347
February 21, 2018

We should have an option here to post scammers pictures. They can change names but I am sure they will use the same image again and again.

sadandlost
February 20, 2018
How do you track an IP address?
Oscardoodles
February 21, 2018
I have been corresponding with a guy supposedly in Syria. I found out his pic was a lie- he admitted it saying he had image issues and I would not have talked to him otherwise (he is older than me and I am an attractive women). Since then he has shared pics of him alone, with his dogs and his son. He has said he wants to marry me several times. No requests for money, ever. Correspondence is always by messenger. is there anywhere I can share his pictures wit anyone to see if he has been in contact with anyone else? He really tugs at the heart strings and so much seems true, but I am very wary as I have read so much about scammers. The name he uses is Stepanyan Ashot which even after the pic issue he maintains is his real name. Says he is an American, but Armenian descent, lives in Washington DC but on contract with a unit working under the UN. I feel like I am getting in very deep and I am worried in case it is all a lie. I have done google image with all his recent pics and no trace. Best guess on some according to Google was a Selfie.
Stephnalbert
August 15, 2020

In reply to by Oscardoodles

This man goes by Stephen Albert. Says he is on the high seas in Syria, terrorists defending against. Says he needs $3,550.00 to take fight for UNvacation leave and has to pay for economy flight. I am wounded. After saying no for 7 months. I sent $1,800.00 I had saved up for a rainy day vowing never to touch. I cry alot because I cannot believe I did not stand my ground. I have a nonprofit animal Rescue and I scrimp to provide. Is there a way to retrieve this money? Please help.
Puppy lady
September 09, 2021

In reply to by Oscardoodles

I have just been contacted by this guy...same story..4 Star general ...in Syria..,pics of his son with the dog! Very quick to talk romantically and about marriage!! Definitely knows how to tug at the heartstrings with his ‘smooth talkers! Using a different name..would love to see the pic he used with you Oscardoodles! These guys needs to be stopped!!!
Shirl0347
February 21, 2018
For the reference, the guy who scammed me goes by the name of Bryan Mason. Says he is from Queens,NY He is a unit leader deployed in Afghanistan. Needs money for food coz he is not good with MRE’s. When I refused the second time to pay, he asked me to open a bank account for him so that he can have Army send his bonus check to me. Be very careful. He is a very smooth talker. I have fallen for him hard.
Lori
February 22, 2018
Think I'm being scammed by someone by the name michaelrichards a lot of the same story
Oscardoodles
February 22, 2018
I have ran his pictures through all the scam websites I can find using. There is nothing is any of their databases. I did the same with his messenger account and it doesn't come up anywhere. I am confused.
Wayne
February 22, 2018
I come across women trying to scam me all the time. I just go along with them until they ask for money. Just tell them I have sent it which I never do of course. Ask them questions such as whats in it for you if you send the money and some will agree to almost anything. Once you agree to send it they won't talk about anything but how and when they are going to get the money. Just be careful though. Because some of them are very good.
crvzla
February 22, 2018
I was talking with Anthony Powell, 49 age, widow, has a daughter named Ella. He said he was from NY and lived in Los Angeles, Californis. He said hello a few times by instagram. He is a doctor that works in the humanitarian service in United nation base in Somalia. His wife passed away giving birth his second child. He told me that he wants to visit me and just want a little help from me, if you want I’ll pay back when I arrive. I told him it was too soon and he stopped to write me by whatsapp.
Mertey
February 22, 2018
Yes I have there Address
miffed in maryland
February 22, 2018
DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR? Using name Jeff Kurt Lauren. Prefer Kurt. 53. DOB 9 Oct 1953. father Egyptian. parents (Mark and Renate Lauren) killed in car accident when he was 23? lived in Dekernes Egpyt with grandmother until 23. Attended Benha University. Speaks fluent Egyptian/Standard Arabic. English as well. has 19 year old son Jeremy (b-day in August) freshman attending Westminster College in Utah. divorced 7 years. met wife while she was working at his moms store. Dad was a construction worker. she cheated and smoke too much pot. travels with a cat named Cathy. associates named Daniel Rush (personal assistant). claims he has inherited mansion he can claim once he's married again (mother parents wealthy). owns construction company JB Hunt Construction Company. another construction job in Houston. born in Kissimmee FL. has aunt and uncle in Nashville, TN? Drives a red convertible 2015 Lexus SC 430. wears The Perfect Man cologne. claims to be very wealthy. if anything sounds familiar, please let me know.
Shirl0347
February 23, 2018

In reply to by miffed in maryland

Miffed, yes. He will say he is coming to marry you. Then will say is atuck at the airport and has forgotten his wallet. Will ask for money and you will never hear from him again.
jdot
February 22, 2018
Chigozie MacDonaold and Precious Simon, students that live in Owerri, Nigeria are scam artists. They stole my mother's identity and had her sending them thousand of dollars. Even had her take a loan out on her retirement account. These people should be prosecuted for taking advantage of the elderly.
Dill
February 23, 2018
Be very careful. Even if he has video skyped with you. This guy pretended to be an adjutant general, said that he will never ask for my money, and I thought that he was genuine, because we talked on video. Turns out there is an app in skype that allows you to use any person's image and you can use the image to video skype anybody. This guy I was video skyping with all of a sudden said his son is sick and said he needed airfare so his other son can visit the sick son. I researched and found out that his supposedly "late" wife has a fb account and has posts from this year. When I said that I was not going to give him money because I found out about his wife, he said that I have trust issues and that he does not want to be in a relationship with me. I met him through match.com. I reported him and now his profile no longer exists in match. There are so many scammers that have tried to get my money in dating sites, you have no idea how many.
Marguerite J
February 23, 2018
Look up Jason Larry USA Army in Afghanistan claims to be a General
Sissy
February 23, 2018
I have been texting this guy online we went to the hangout and my understanding he is a contractor right. Well if a person who states they are a contractor and immediately goes over to the job where its at after they hook up with you should I be feeling this is too soon. What I am getting at now since he knows that I am talking to him now he is asking for funds like for food and something about a rental table and things like that. Am I being scammed or is this a man hard up on his luck? Its possible this man is stuck over there which he states he is not in the states right now. The contract is suppose to last like 6 months. I am sure the question will be asked would you send funds for a plane ticket and ongoing fund requests for food. Should I tread lightly or let him GO!Please advise.
Independent Woman
February 24, 2018

In reply to by Sissy

What is his name on Facebook? I am getting the same story and is he asking you to send money to Henry?
Foolish but wise
February 23, 2018
Richie Raymond contacted me through a dating site and immediately said I should text him. Multiple professions of caring for me, sent roses, had to "leave the country on business." Now needs money to complete his business "so he can leave and we can be together." Too funny and sad at the same time. Warned him I thought he was a scammer and vowed he "would never hurt me, etc. etc." Told him I couldn't send money, now wants me to accept money from a "friend" and wire it to him. No way!!
Concerned Niece
March 05, 2018

In reply to by Foolish but wise

My aunt is talking to a guy who sent her candy and flowers. He wants to give her money to buy gift cards so he can avoid paying taxes in the country he’s got a project go on in. He goes by Raymond. He sent her “his” account info and she says there is 1.4 million in the account. Sound familiar
Rai
February 23, 2018
Anyone heard of Oscar Johnson on Facebook he is a scammer
jbd400nyc
February 26, 2018
They're on gay dating apps too. This guy contacted me claiming to be a sergeant in the army on a peace keeping mission in Syria. His name is Jamie (no last name ever given). The site showed that he was about 5,100 miles away so it seemed plausible, and his English seemed like standard American, but he almost immediately wanted to text instead of using the app. That's not unusual, the app is kind of clunky. He said he thought about me constantly and really looked forward to meeting me when he gets back to the states. He was falling in love with me. I told him he didn't even know me. I was intrigued but something about all this didn't sound right. The texts sounded like something out of a romance novel. Gay guys don't text each other like that. Plus days would go by when I would hear nothing from him. Then suddenly some texts about how much he loved me. How he thought about me when he was out on night patrol. I liked that, but I knew it didn't make sense. But I have to admit that I really wanted it to be true. Today he texted me that his credit to text is almost used now (an American would have said used up) and can I send him an iTunes gift card to top up. He misses talking to me. That didn't make any sense because you don't need an iTunes gift card to text, you only need an Internet connection. I've traveled outside the US enough to know that. Plus, if he's a sergeant in the military shouldn't he be able afford to pay his phone bill? I suspect he was trying to see if I was hooked enough to send him a little money and then I'd get a request for something much bigger, like he's been wounded and needs to get back to the States or something like that. I'm a little sad to realize I was being scammed but not all that surprised. Something just didn't feel right about this. I'm not even going to say no. I'm just going to block the number on my phone.
Independent Woman
February 24, 2018
Has anyone been talking to Thomas Dillon Cory? Supposedly Portuguese contractor currently working in Nigeria? We have been talking for months and my heart is invested. I can’t find any pictures of him on image lookup but my gut says ther is something off. We started talking back in September when he was in Washington state rehabbing a house and has since moved to Nigeria to work on a bridge contract. Please let me know if anyone has info on him
RDM
September 27, 2018

In reply to by Independent Woman

I have invested months, almost a year with a "portugese" man named Thomas Downs. Sadly, I let my guard down and was taken advantage horribly. Day after day I read these posts and your is mostly hitting home. May we compare stories? I have photos as well yet cannot locate him anywhere!!!!
Not Surprised
April 30, 2020

In reply to by Independent Woman

I talked to this man as well. He is supposedly back in Portugal. Claims to have a daughter named Harley. He is always hitting me up for money.
fsf
February 24, 2018
My friend is being scammed by Stanley Brown, a US general in Syria (one son, wife left). He first contacted on Facebook and then immediately wanted to move to Hangouts.
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