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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.

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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.

Buster Bassett
November 13, 2019
I'm trying to find out if the man who is claiming to be sergeant Jesse ordaz is actually serving in kabul Afghanistan
Sdnek
November 15, 2019
Im torn. Could be scam could be legit.. Nutshell: Sniper, deployed overseas...6h ahead of est Never asked for money, personal info ur did ask if i had an old phone they could borrow bc his was crapping out (consistent story from day one). Got slightly hot and bothered when i said no amd asked again but ultimately dropped it and expressed stress Briefly talked about difficulty v reality of need on taking life as sniper, that its scary constantly bc you never know what could happen. Said i (and i think my job/life as a nurse esp a forensic nurse helps save his soul and faith in humanity) Never saod anything inappropriate, always respectful Consistent in saying cant relieve job/location info but once said africa then Nigeria...which to my understanding either has no troops or homeboy just told me something he shouldnt.. All pictures are consistent, nothing appears in reverse image search No digital foot print i can find. No fb or instagram Has tee shirt of a gym in town we both live in, or at least says he does. Names two not so common gyms he works out at while here Slightly cryptic at first w home details but getting more explanation now After about 2 weeks, declares strong feelings of like, that im stealing his heart, expresses that he doesnt consider himself single ("talking" stage) and how excited he is to meet me. Wants to seek my heart and win it totally (direct words) Just..... torn. Alot of eye brow raises, esp as a sexual assault nurse But alot of things also make sense.
talon
November 15, 2019

In reply to by Sdnek

He is a scammer, just a matter of time before he asks you for money or gift cards. Or to help him get gold , money or other valuables out of the country. Don’t do it!!! Don’t give him any personal information either. No phone number or bank info. Don’t get emotionally attached that’s how they get you. Let us know any updates and be safe!!!
Pancakes
November 14, 2019
My friend has been talking to a 'Brian John Jones' from Newhall, CA for about two months. Two weeks into the conversations he wanted to fly her to LAX so she could come visit him, then he sent her a HUGE Edible Arrangement because at the last minute he had to leave for Dubai for unexpected work. Then he was there for a few weeks and was coming home. Told her he'd send her a plane ticket for her to come to his house when he arrived home. Next, he was in Japan buying diamonds because he likes to invest his money. (WHAT??) Then he gets hit by a hit and run driver (in Japan) and now apparently he is in the hospital with a broken femur and a $58,000 hospital bill and they won't let him out and his bank cards were compromised. Oh.......and by the way, the hospital he said he was in said there was no such person when she called and when she sent flowers they were sent back. Now he tells her that he found an American nurse who is going to try to help his situation. Oh and by the way, he's in a hospital in Hong Kong..........yeah, 1,988 miles away from Japan. But my friend absolutely believes this guy is real and she just sent him $200 the other day. She is getting mad at me because I keep bringing it up. Anyone else having the same experience?
CC33Idontknow
December 21, 2021

In reply to by Pancakes

I have just ended a 2 month session with Brian John Jones. He fell in love with me almost instantly. I kept things at bay. He never talked about money. But was ready to come and visit. I had him checked out. Nothing added up. I ended it.
danam1969
November 14, 2019
has anyone heard of a man named Collins Woods .who works in Germany. and someone has stole money out of his bank account. he told me that the bank has a hold on his account.he doesn't want money but he wants me to open a bank account here. where i live . so that his company can pay him. and that we would be together after the money gets to the bank that way he can pay his employees and he can handle over the job.
Angrybird
November 14, 2019
There are some really low down people in this world..... disgusts me how they low they stoop! . Pray for their souls and always be aware while trusting that second sense God gave you!!!
BMS
November 14, 2019
A new one ! Goes by the name of James McDonald, lives in Springfield Massachusetts ,widowed, one son 26 . Met him on words then asked me to to Hangouts which I refused to do . No loving words , out of the blue asked me to send an Amazon gift card . He was dumped immediately . Watch out ladies !
Tootsie209
November 14, 2019
I have been thru scam also I believe but still talking with guy for over year and half. Says loves me wants to be with me trying to leave Mexico but doesn't have money and can't get to his. Name supposedly Steve Welsh but seen picture with other names which he said stolen identity. He has sent me his picture before but refuses now.
Lynn
November 19, 2019

In reply to by Tootsie209

Tootsie209 ..can you give me the other names that that you saw please.
Kiki
November 15, 2019
There is a guy named Philip priest who is in Russia and in the military. I believe he is a scammer but I am not sure. I have not sent him any money but he says he has sent me money. I have no plans on retrieving the money
Westone
November 16, 2019
Hi, I've met a few. Harry Lee Williams from Canada. Owns a jewelry store, quickly puts on the charm. Then get a chance to go to India to showcase merchandise. Then needs money because there are laws that he wasn't aware of, they confiscated his stuff, needs money for that. He has to find money to say in the hotel. There is Simon Wong, Chinese living in England. Takes care of mom, dad worked in Malaysia. He went to Malaysia to get the money due his father(pasted away) he needs money to help with the paper work. Didn't know it would be that much. I have more, I'm like a flame moths are drawn to. I don't know what it is. But I haven't given any money. I'd like to find a way to put these guys away or expose them. I have more that I'm talking with
SpanishLady100
November 16, 2019
This is for My Senior Neighbor, I keep telling her this guy is a Liar and a Piece of Garbage::::;: This guy says he’s Deployed to Dubaii. Has two sons 11 and 8, raising them himself as his wife passed away. Says he had no family. Owns 2 houses in Texas of which he sold. 4 Times sent pictures of Fake plane tickets/and or Reservations flying on Delta. Four Times never showed up at airport. Different excuse each time. Nice looking pictures of him and his Sons. Wears Cowboy Hat with Salt and Pepper Hair and Blue eyes: Light Beard and Mustache. Says he was born in 1967. Sent pictures of fake passport, Bad job of covering original picture with fake one. Asks for Amazon Gift Cards and has scammed her for over 8 Hundred Dollars, so far. Tells her he’s going to marry her and she can just stay home. I’m sure if i could post his picture, other women would recognize him in other scams. We need a website where we could post the pictures of these low life’s. I’ll find out from her other names he has used and post again. I wish she’d listen to me and her family!!!
Ceecee
November 16, 2019
Met mine on POF. Paul Steve General contractor in Africa from Michigan, widowed (wife died in child birth) lost them both, 13 yo son living with care giver. So things started great, I'm always hesitant when I love you starts to fly, flags. Then he wanted to send me money so I could wire it to him. Not happening. Then he started a new approach that I've declined. I'm pretty sure that meeting at Christmas is off...lol Before him was Terry Lawson similar situation. This is just wrong!
Pirate Girl
December 19, 2019

In reply to by Ceecee

I think we met the same person, except was from Maryland, but exact same other details, was on POF Name Wharton Mark Jones
KBTwatson07
November 17, 2019
So If a Dr Ryan Akex Franklin sound familiar?? I just would love to know please feedback would be so appreciated???
NeverFooled
May 16, 2020

In reply to by KBTwatson07

Yes.... claims to be a Surgeon in Afghanistan and looking for true love. Handsome, educated, widower....too good to be true.
Just2letUknow
November 17, 2019
Silas Graham, Monaco france, professes his love, writes wonderful emails, Do Not Let Him Fool you !! Wants $ using Moneygram, Western Union, etc. Has a Linkedin photo sitting in outside cafe. Another photo with an older woman, maybe his mother or grandma..Scammer, uses plentyoffish, cell is #210-963-5042...supposedly, petroleum chemical engineer, has home in Alamo Heights Texas, children maria and david, mom ill in hospital, along with him concerning oil rig explosion...says he has UK funds because he is a millionaire, so then why does he need my financial institution name ?? Apparently his bill coming due, uk back has not been activated !?! Block from your email, Block from texts...Scammer !!
Justwondering
November 18, 2019
Has anyone heard of Richi Walter's from the Uk but a swedish national. Travels the world on business, divorced.
Don't use your…
November 18, 2019
Has anyone been scammed by Jonathan Cotton says he’s a Widow has two kids by the name of Jane and Ryan works on oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico if you have please put it on here
Cuttlygh
November 19, 2019
I have met this guy on singkes2 meet he is Dr Francesco Quagriella , works in London at a petroleum company , started talking and he said let's delete the profiles on the dating site, gave me a UK cellphone number which worked once, and after that it was no exsiting, every morning 6h30 I would get an email from him telling me how much he loved me and his daughter Sonia who lives with his mom , his wife died 4 years ago in a car crash so now he's looking to move to my country to be with me as on the 11th of Nov was his last day at work , he sent me pictures of himself receiving his bonus of 2 million pounds I must look for a house for him in South Africa as he was coming on Friday he will land in Cape town airport then connect to Johannesburg , he sent pictures of the gifts he brought for me even jewellery iPhone, iPad ,laptop, shoes and clothes , On Friday morning he called as he has just landed in Capetown going through immigration , within 30 minutes I receive a call from him telling me that they are fining him for bringing 2000 pounds into the country I have to pay that fine of 7000 at first I did not suspect that it was a scam , I made that payment to a receiving agent in the airport and within the next minute I received a call again telling me that they are saying he must deposit this money into my account at reserve bank and I need to pay a withholding tax of 20 000 when I said I had no money he started to cry and came back with another story of saying I must pay 10 000 so that the bank can release his money into my account , I paid , then I called my sister who said that's impossible there is no such in SA .luckily I was at the airport I quickly rushed to fnb and reported fraud and they froze the account unfortunately 6800 was already out but 10 000 he couldn't withdraw it. Then he called to say the bank is busy with his transaction I must borrow him the remaining 10 000 that's where I lost it and went to customs and called cape town airport and it was confirmed that it was a scam , the next day he calls and I told him the information about him he never called me back the police have traced him to be in Johannesburg Lyndhurst that's where he does his criminal activities so ppl beware of scammers
tazette2
November 19, 2019
I have meant someone that says he is a doctor under contract with the USA in Yemen. He has never asked me for money,he tells me he loves me and he wants to take care of me. How do I check to see if he is really who he says he is? I have hisID#
instagram and …
November 20, 2019

In reply to by tazette2

run as far as you can. Why would a doctor need any help finding someone. Think.........he is not.Its hard and sad but its all lies....they suck hurting women run away
Loberdeck
November 19, 2019
Accidentally friended man calling himself Jonny Cardwell. Said widowed for 4 years as wife died in car accident. Said he had 14 year old daughter in boarding school as he travels for his job. He sent pictures and very soon professed his love for me. That set off warning flags. He asked I email his daughter Anita to introduce myself. She immediately declared her birthday is Nov 24th and wanted to know what I was going to get her for her birthday. She also asked if I will be her new mum. After speaking with Jonny for a few weeks he sends pic of him being awarded a $1.2 million dollar contract with Shell Oil Company. He told me he was a Chemical and Electrical Engineer. He said he lives in Richmond, VA. and had to fly to Long Beach, CA for the job. After he allegedly arrives in California he asked me for a $100 Google card to locate an underground tunnel in the ocean. Really? When I said no he called me wicked, selfish and heartless. Then sent photo of briefcase with at least $1 million dollars and large diamond ring. I took advice from another blogger and asked daughter, Anita, to write my name in palm of her hand with today's date, go to mirror and take pictures and send to me. Guess what happened? Absolutely nothing. Beware of this scam. Thank God I had the intelligence to know this was wrong. Ladies and gentlemen I pray you hear my warning! People can be ruthless and prey on the vulnerable.
instagram and …
November 20, 2019
Tony Wilson on Instagram and Edwin Wilson on messenger. Run ladies. these guys have lots of pictures. There really good. On oil Rigs. Great real pictures.......don t be fooled
Sass1234
November 20, 2019
Anyone been contacted by a Gregory Marshall, likes to be called Marshall? Hispanic widower with a son, serving in Kabul?
PAUL1960
November 20, 2019
Hello I would like to say i was scam for 3 years i was stupid to believe this woman could christana kodop walters she was in Ghana and now back in Texas Austin when she was in Ghana tell me that she needs help to get her gold and i sent money for her tickets to come to England but she was stop by police and keep in prison i keep having phone calls from a so called lawyer saying i had to pay 500 pounds to get her out and back to usa to be with her daughter who is 11 her name is Sarah I have now blocked her after losing 3.000 pounds
Grayson
November 20, 2019
My MeWe contact requests started blowing up all of the sudden one day. I mean, I was getting one to two an hour by totally strange and random men. I was already suspicious, but chose one to troll. Within just a few messages, our dialogue was verbatim what is published here and on military.gov. I’m still chatting with him to see how far I can push, but, PLEASE be careful with any stranger on the Internet. It just doesn’t make sense for a strange man to pick a perfect female stranger on the internet to fall in love with. Be safe, y’all.
kim
November 22, 2019
Dealing with Possible scammer. Met him on a dating site, very sweet and kind. First two time he asked gift cards in small amount. Asked many of my pictures and yes nude too. Am I was stupid enough to provide. Now I’m scare that he will use my pictures to scam other people and also scare that his going to threaten me. I would like to get suggestion how to not piss him off and end this mess?
His girl 19
November 22, 2019
I have a friend who is talking to an "Olivia Smith" whose parents died and she went to Africa to be with her grandma. Claims she needs $140 a week for fresh water. Also says her and her grandma cant leave their house or they will be robbed and/or kidnapped. Anyone else have this problem? He wont listen to any of us when we tell him she is a scam
ez
November 23, 2019
there's someone knows guy a name Jae yong and said that he as a gemologist. he's a korean but living in united states.
ihcs
May 30, 2020

In reply to by ez

Hi ez, I’m talking to this guy named Jae Yong and he has the same profession and lives in SF. May I ask what exactly he did to you? That will help me, thank you.
Afool!
August 30, 2020

In reply to by ihcs

OMG.....I just met him too. He has me putting my fiance on hold......good God I am lucky to have found this. What has he done? He supposedly lives in Florida
Sad Fool
August 30, 2020

In reply to by ihcs

Hi IHCS....I am currently talking with Jae Yong the Gemologist from Korea. He friended me on Linkedin so I didn't think it would be a scam.....duh. I asked about him living in California and he changed it to Florida. I am so heartbroken. Almost left my fiance. You and EZ have literally saved my life.
Sad girl
November 06, 2020

In reply to by Sad Fool

OMG! I just met this guy on Tinder. He says he’s in New York! A gemologist from Korea, who’s parents died when he was a baby... is this the same story for you?
Sad Fool
August 30, 2020

In reply to by ez

You literally saved my life. Been talking with Jae Yong who friended me on LinkedIn. I wasn't looking for a date. Didn't think Linkedin was a place I would get romance scammed. Almost left my fiance. Thank you so much for posting his name so I could search it.
Safwa
October 04, 2020

In reply to by ez

Thank you soo much for posting this .you saved my life .i was talking with him .he said his name is min kang hwang .coreen gemologist living in usa exactly in boston .i have heartbroken .i really beleived him
Cathrine Dobson
November 23, 2019
Ive been talking to a yassine elassri from morocco for 3 years and sent multiple amounts of money has anyone else spoken with him
Mike
November 23, 2019
I went on your Christians date,a beautifull female contacted me.this lady had to be a model.thats how beautiful she really was.her name was mara she lives georgia u.s.a. for about six years.she was 36 year old widower.from ukrain.but site took alot of money from me.i use one debit card.then some some how they charge my second credit card my bank card without my permission.over 200 dollars.the bank flag my card.boy do i feel Imbarass.being on a dating site.we talk for a.while,i told i was divorce i told her were i lived To text me.she kept asking me , can we talk.or You shure you live alone.now why she keep Asking me that.iam 65 years old iam completey Out of her league.but i tell you one thing tho, She show up at my door step.i ll put my arm this Chick and wont let go.
wiseNurse
November 23, 2019
Currently in the midst of scam attempt, claims he’s an American marine engineer, contacted me on POF then moved to WhatsApp, constant claim of love after just 2weeks, does consulting & left for 1 month job in Turkey, even messaged me re flight delay of one hour which I checked and was accurate, one week before return home problem with his work visa resulted in $6,000 fine, can’t access his US bank accounts, sent me obviously fake screen shot of his account statement showing he has $680,000 in the bank and has 3 failed attempts to withdraw the $6,000 to pay his fine & buy ticket for flight home. Very persistent, complex, time consuming scam. Name is Robert Andrea
Fallforthisguy
November 25, 2019
I talked with a guy on words with friends his first comment was hello friend to me. I should deleted him right then and there. Got to involved. Was taken for a lot of money. He said he would pay me back double the money because as soon as he got his money he would get a lot. And take care of all my bills and debt. Would always say, trust me, I am a God fearing man. He still is on with words with friends now. Be careful of him, he is out to get your money. His name isn’t on there but it’s this instead, Zy nga wf _1330652
Ann
November 24, 2019
Wow. This is crazy. My guy I fell for quickly. He’s been a gentleman and very sweet. He has a heavy French accent. Took awhile to understand him. Widower 6 yr old that lives with his mom. After searching discovered his mom died several years ago so I go concerned that he was scamming me. Then told me about a business deal that he needed money for. But said I will find a way to get it. And of course a few days later he asked me for help. I already knew never to send money but I decided to play along and see what he said. So after a few hours I called back and said. Im so sorry there is no way I can raise that kind of money then I started crying for effect. He seemed kind of speechless and said I will talk to you later when you are not crying. I when he did call back he was sweet again and said don’t worry about the money. What really made me mad was when he told me not to tell any of my family about the money. Big red flag. And all along he says he is a Christian. He reads to me from the Bible and sings to me. It appears very legit except the money and his mom. My concern now is he has pictures of me and my family. How do I protect us now????
Lynn
November 25, 2019

In reply to by Ann

ANN : does your man have a name and is his 6 year old a daughter or son?
CandiseD
November 24, 2019
The guy I met online asks me to send him money over seas do he can eat... he claims to be in the army. I know the military feeds the troops!? So what kind of nonsense is this!?
Doubledummy
December 09, 2019

In reply to by CandiseD

You are completely correct, it is nonsense. I met two men on a dating site who claimed to be military, one kept asking for food money, he was using the name Mike Brown. I called him out and he admitted to being a student in Nigeria just trying to get money to eat and to pay for his tuition and etc. I have since had many video chats with him and have even met his mother on one of them. He claims to be done scamming, and has found other means of support, but tells me the scammers do share information and pictures and fake names and profiles to use, and I have seen the one he was using when I met him on Facebook. The other man claims to be Delane Martin Pacheco an Airborne Ranger. He has tried for money, bank account info( to deposit his pay), and most recently tried to get me yo give him my Google voice verification code. NO! fortunately due to my experience as a military wife and family program volunteer, I knew the fake stuff. Like a Fiance' form with a fee of hundreds of dollars-not real! Plus the US military does NOT deposit funds into anynaccount not at least partially owned by the service member! Also note the US military provides all transportation for our troops to and from deployment.
Fooledhim
November 24, 2019
I have been speaking on IG for about 4 months. Says his name is Dr williams Gardener a UN doctor in Myanmar. Also refers to himself as williams strong Same story. Widowed, 15 yr old son in boarding school in missouri. Blah blah. Long story short he has asked me to help his son get a laptop for his school work and now wants me to send 3500 dollats to some attorny in california to pay for his vacation permit. Funny thing is the UN posts a handbook on their website that covers leave time, vacations, sick and personal benefits. Lol . The U N appears to have a pretty good benefits and pays for travel expenses. Oh and i guess the U N only has gmail. Lol
TheFlash
November 25, 2019
Is lady wanting to move in my apartment a scammer? She says she is a sea farer. She ignores simple questions about her race. She says she 25 years old. Never asked for money. Says she makes good money.
RV Traveler
November 25, 2019
I met a woman on a dating site who contacted me. Her name she gave me was Madinatu Giwah. She stated she was living in Pennsylvania. Then she was leaving to do a project for school in Ghana. She asked for me to send her money for a phone card. Then a couple of weeks later she needed more money because she broke her ankle and was in a hospital. She even sent me a picture of her ankle in a cast. Then a couple of weeks later she asked me for money so she could start a business. Then just today she told me she got an inheritance of 50 gold bars from her father. She wants to send them over to me. So far that's it. If anyone here has dealt with her before or dealt with a familiar situation, please let me know. I have pictures.