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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.

Online Dating Scams. Has an online love interest asked you for money? That's a scam. Scammers know millions of people use online dating sites. They are there, too, hiding behind fake profiles. Signs of a scam: Professes love quickly. Claims to be from the U.S., but is overseas for business or military service. Asks for money, and lures you off the dating site. Claims to need money — for emergencies, hospital bills, or travel. Plans to visit, but can’t because of an emergency. $220 million lost in 2016. $56 million lost in 2012. Reports to the FBI tripled over 5 years (4,476 reports in 2012; 14,546 reports in 2016) What to do: Slow down — and talk to someone you trust. Don’t let a scammer rush you. Never wire money, put money on a gift or cash reload card, or send cash to an online love interest. You won’t get it back. Contact your bank right away if you think you’ve sent money to a scammer. Report your experience to: • The online dating site • Federal Trade Commission: ftc.gov/complaint • Federal Bureau of Investigation: ic3.gov. Learn more at ftc.gov/imposters and aba.com/engagement

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.

  • 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.

Happylife
November 30, 2020

In reply to by Just want Love

All description is correct just a different name . The one i had was Jasso Anthony and he did not want anything to do with me after i said i cant help his mom or son. He claimed he worked in the us army in yemen .
1192 bunkie
February 10, 2018

In reply to by Fraud Stopper

Is there any way I can add photos to my comments? I have 3 photos of men not listed and current chars of them wanting money
Loren m
August 07, 2018

In reply to by FTC Staff

Is there a place that has listed known scammer phone number that I can look at or names 458-212-3064
Maggie777Don't…
March 17, 2018

In reply to by 1192 bunkie

Can we put there names on here I also have pictures
General Stephe…
May 30, 2018

In reply to by Maggie777Don't…

This is person on facebook claiming to be General Stephen Townsned. Very attractive man. He is trying to scam people like myself, says he is in love with me and wants to meet me and spend the rest of his life with me. Want me to sent him lots of money for flight to come here and meet me and marry me.
Telly
June 01, 2018

In reply to by General Stephe…

Same person claiming to be General Townsend, born in Griffin Georgia, and is overseas fight the war.......wanted me to send two I-tunes cards because he's not able to have any money and can't access his bank while there..........hmmmmm go figure He's is also in love with me and wants us to be together when he gets back to the states......................
Happytoknow
September 03, 2018

In reply to by Telly

This is all too familiar working on sea no access to money due to a contract. Wife died , said he loved me asked for $950 to be sent to come meet me. Next son is in hospital needs money for the bill so the doctor will release him. Got mad when i said no said lovers do anything. I disagree with the western union and money gram. He said right from day one he wanted to get married. Hard when your life is on sea.
Don't use your…
September 20, 2018

In reply to by Happytoknow

Hi someone mentioned..worked on the sea, son in hospital. Anyone ? I have a guy asking for medical bills for his little boy. He don't have a bank account, wants iTunes cards for food.
Jeremy
September 24, 2018

In reply to by Don't use your…

Hi. I got one now, fishing boat, son in hospital needs medical costs and iTunes cards for food! Nice looking, beautiful little boy, the mom died, name Jonathan? Lives in Ohio? Wants to come and marry me.
I ain't playing!
October 21, 2018

In reply to by Jeremy

Did you see a picture of the dad and "the little boy"?? I have one says he's from Texas, wife got caught in bed wint another man. She didn't ever want anything to do with the child. He's in Dubai, needs money because he didn't take enough when he left. Little boy broke ankle. Need money to make up difference for surgery. Boy passed away. No money sent
AbbyJ
October 29, 2018

In reply to by I ain't playing!

This sounds similar to a man I met online last year. I got sucked in big time. He got at least £400. Feel so stupid. He pressured me into sending money for his dying son and ended up saying that his son had died and needed money for a funeral. These people are evil!
Bunny28904
May 19, 2019

In reply to by I ain't playing!

Oh holy crap! Am talking to this guy name david Powell and he has a picture of him and a little boy on Big Fish Games. And he says to work on a drillship in the Mediterranean Sea. He tells me how stressed he is for money and that he will pay back. But he never says how much he needs. I have not given him any money cause since I’ve been talking him (2months) he has been telling me all these foggy and complicated stories about his origins. I will not give him half a penny. He is so handsome tho. He is 54 with a full head of white hair and honey brown eyes. His kid on the picture resembles him but the kid has brown hair. They are both white. He claims to live in North Carolina. But is in turkey. OMG I have sent him already a ton it article from here. When he sees how similar to his these stories are... he will lay and egg. Lol
Gold51
November 11, 2019

In reply to by Bunny28904

He asked me for money to buy gold. He’s been doing this for years.
Jill L
March 25, 2019

In reply to by Jeremy

+1 (442) 243-3308 Daniel Giovanni. From KC area. In Dubai and job overbid. Needs $4000. Sone in Alabama at boarding school. Account “dormant”. When I told him I have a brother in FBI (lied) and he would need to be investigated he freaked. Met on POF and he moved our conversation to WhatsApp. In love with me within a week. Referred to me as his wife. Wife died during childbirth ....... blah blah. Now he is panicking thinking I really have The fbi in his business. Tell the scammer you will send the money once your “brother with the fbi” clears him/her. Blew up my phone he was so scared. Hahaha. Fabulous! Deleted the WhatsApp and who knows what he is thinking now. Jerk!!
Laura2304
September 26, 2018

In reply to by Don't use your…

I’ve been scammed by a man who claims to be in the Marines deployed to Afghanistan in April 2018 then redeployed to Syria in September 2018. He saids his name is Jacob Smith Schroeder, that he has a son named Randy, his wife died during child birth and both his parents are deceased and he has no siblings. Also that his Granny who raised him died of cancer. He’s asked for iTunes cards, my bank information, asked for me to receive money from western union. I haven’t because I sensed he’s a scam. He’s on hangouts app and his number is a Georgia number 1-912-235-0838. He was on Instagram but I reported him to the U.S. Marines and his Instagram account was shut down. I have pictures he’s sent me but I don’t know where I can post them.
Henderson
October 11, 2018

In reply to by Laura2304

Hi this sounds similar to one I've got going now! He rang me this morning because he knows I don't trust him. After 6 days he loves me. His son wants to call me mum He needs a £30 iTunes card He's sent me his bank details to prove he's very wealthy so no just after money. I wish I could see a picture of your guy!
KK-NY
June 03, 2019

In reply to by Henderson

Sounds exactly the same as one I've been talking to. Sent me photos, bank details, son wants to call me mom, wanted $200 iTunes card. When I said that I couldn't afford it, it dropped to $100. Haven't sent a dime.
Hawaii2020
April 19, 2020

In reply to by Henderson

Sounds kinda familiar, did u meet this guy on Instagram and what's his name?
Charlie
October 03, 2018

In reply to by Mitzig

I have a guy named Jerry Smith overseas just asked for a iTunes card. Professing his love. He is young and sent pics. He is in a army shirt. Does anyone have this info in him?
Allison
October 24, 2018

In reply to by Charlie

I had some guy same type of thing from Instagram. Asked me to buy iTunes gift card and send the info on the back of it. Supposedly a MP from army some place in Africa. This guys name is Jake
Tricked
May 10, 2019

In reply to by Happytoknow

Hi. His name is Richard, and he worked on the sea. Hes a Marine Engineer. He says that he was a widow. His wife died in a car accident. Had a daughter and her relatives was taking care of them. Hes 57nyrs old. Lives in the US, but works on a ship. Hes gone a lot from home. Befriended me and sent lots of pictures, very handsome guy. Said he loved me and wanted to possibly marry me in the future. Very charming. After about 2 months, he had a story about needing money through a 3rd party to get some delivery here to the state Of course I then figured out that he is trying to scam me. I then told him that I was not giving any money, nor info to him about my personal affairs. He then got a little quiet and stop responding as much, and also stop telling me he loved me. Its funny when you say no, all of sudden they get distant and dont want to talk about much anymore. Well too bad. He should have made sure he brought an umbrella, because I'm not sorry that I rained on his party.. Wish I could ser some pictures of this suppose to be Richard.
KK-NY
June 03, 2019

In reply to by Tricked

I got pretty much the same story from a guy named Derek. Marine Engineer working on an oil rig in West Africa, wife died in a horrific car crash, has a son, wants to marry me some day, 63 years old, and quite handsome. He got very angry when I questioned him about it. Unfortunately, by this time, I had shared some very personal information without thinking. He said he needed an iTunes card to boost his cellphone signal when he was working on the oil rig. I 'm so glad that I checked this site.
Hinge
November 18, 2019

In reply to by Tricked

This is happening to me...Do you have an email I have a photo would like to see if its the same person.
Baba2019
December 12, 2019

In reply to by Tricked

Same story as yours. His name was James Chan. Sobbing story of his son needing surgery and asked for money and I said no. Weeks later he said his son died and I need to provide my private information to him because his company needs a next of kin in order for him to get paid.
Learyone
September 15, 2019

In reply to by Happytoknow

A man using the name Chris miller tried similar things with me! Working in the Gulf of Mexico on a contract on an oil rig! Asked for me to send him $100 gift card I told him I didn’t have the money! Now he’s wanting me to get him a free iPhone by purchasing a two year contract with Verizon! Told him sorry I couldn’t get a free phone due to my credit! Claims his money is in an offshore account and he cannot use it til the contract is done! Also claims he is coming to see me when the contract is up! Thanks for the good info!!
Carole
June 02, 2019

In reply to by Telly

Same song little different story. Dr wanting $2500 up front to treat a boy that was in accident. Can't help this child that is in critical condition. He is Mayor General in Damascus Syria
tabbycat1534
October 01, 2019

In reply to by Telly

I know a guy who is using the name jaso farnun, said his wife died and he has a daughter! He had his daughter call me and she called me mom, then he said he needed money and his mom had to sell house! She called me too! Again this guy used another man's profile. By the last name mcnamee . Said he was going to take care of me two years ago and we still never met! His mother apparently sends him money through me. I am confused!
Private tracki…
September 29, 2018

In reply to by General Stephe…

Has this General Stephen, Gen Townsend from Griffin, Gen (Stephen Griffin) ever call from a CA # 209-442-47?? He has a couple of Army pics with Griffin on the tag. White Male 60 & 70 yrs old.
Fear of being …
April 14, 2018

In reply to by 1192 bunkie

I would like to see your picks. I have been searching for sites with pica of men scammers. It seems to be hard to find them.
Once bitten
April 16, 2018

In reply to by Fear of being …

I have been getting chatted up by a guy called Wilfred Joe, who claims to work on oil rigs and has a young son called Wilson. He asked if I would send him money for leave from the rigs. I have been looking here to check him out and note he has been using lots of different names like Daniel Markel, Roland Smith etc. Thankfully I did the photo search and found out he is a scammer. I have read what other people have said and note that in his profile under various names that he has used different locations as his home country and also different dates of birth. I'm glad I didn't send him any cash and kept refusing his request to send him money.
Gorgeus Flower1961
April 17, 2018

In reply to by Once bitten

I met a doc Wilson on line working in Syria as medical doctor for us army but working for United Nations and is 57 and wants early retirement. Very romantic and good with words and sending music links and within 3 days of being on dating site he wanted to move to email and professed his love quickly and felt I was his soul mate. He Uses Emails hangouts and Skype! wanted me to send £2800 for flights Dubai to uk business class as he reckons he has diplomatic passport & services would fly him to Dubai from Syria. after 8 weeks of daily contact I said no and said he was a scammer. He is still contacting me saying him loved me and I have made it clear I’m sending no money, His name is Kev but he likes to be addressed as Wilson..
Don't use your…
April 21, 2018

In reply to by Gorgeus Flower1961

I recently had a doctor from the UNITED NATION'S saying that he was looking for someone like me. He said that he had a daughter and was living in Maryland, and his daughter was in boarding school. He said he was in Syria,send there for a year. He told me that he had 3 months to go. He used the name of Adams Harold Anthony jr. He said he was American. He called me and as soon as I heard his voice I knew he was a scammer. I keep hearing a rooster in the background. His said that the military camp was close to Syria homes. He then told me that all he could do was think about me. He had only text me a few times. So I hung up on him? And blocked him. Now I have another one saying the same thing but this one is on a oil rig. Blocking that one too.
Sas
August 20, 2018

In reply to by Don't use your…

Oil rig ...whats his name ...i got a name and pic see if its the same one
mmeadiutori
August 22, 2018

In reply to by Sas

Mine said he was on a oil rig he says his name is Michael Gomez he has a son named Kelvin that went to boarding school in CA his pictures are very hot looking. I fell in love just from his pictures and words that he spoke. Just after about 4 days he told me that we were going to live as man and wife. I even started to plain a wedding he was so coopertive with the plans it was so appealing to me. He had me but I only lost $1000.00 dollars that I had extra because my car was hit and that was the money from the insurenc copany i was to give the macanic for the work that was done to my car. He said he would pay me back but I will never see that money again and I ended up paying for the car with a credit card and I can barely pay my bills right now
Jjay
April 21, 2019

In reply to by mmeadiutori

Mine said he had a son named Kelvin also. The name he used is Alvin Robert. Said he works on an oil rig and needed money to pay for his connection so he could talk to me. I blocked him.
KK-NY
June 03, 2019

In reply to by Jjay

Mine also said he needed an iTunes card for a better connection. I blocked him, but made the mistake of unblocking. He was furious and keeps asking for the card which he isn't going to get. Made the mistake of sharing some very personal information. I feel like such a jerk!
tina
July 20, 2019

In reply to by KK-NY

hey dont feel a jerk, my scammer has made me fall for him big time, as yet i havnt sent him money , only a gift card, but i said maybe at the end of the month, i have shared intimate talk with him so i feel a bit silly now, part of me enjoyed it, but we all need someone in our lives, thats what makes it sad.
Jce
January 04, 2020

In reply to by Jjay

I had the same experience but his name is Perry a Adams has a son named Kelvin also in boarding school
Justme
February 09, 2020

In reply to by Jce

I also talked with Perry a Adams has a son name kelvin and he is in boarding school in Atlanta. Perry says he lives in Charleston sc Does anyone have a picture of him. Very smooth talker
Justme
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Jce

I was wanting to know if you are still talking with Perry a Adams? I am talking with him ,very sweet talker . His sons name is the same as what you have also in boarding school. I have pictures he has sent. Do you have any we could share and see if same guy. He sent pictures of where he was in a car wreck feb 29,2020 If you can let me know if you are still in touch with him very important I know by March 25th. I appreciate any info you can give me
the same guy s…
September 17, 2018

In reply to by sally

we were planning our wedding too - but everytime hes coming home to me another crisis comes and I think hes African and will never leave country - he tells you want you want to hear - block him and send him no money and report him to the authorities - good luck hes not marrying anyone he thinks us American ladies are just his atm machine not happening
Blue jacket
August 31, 2018

In reply to by Sas

I have been texting with fella for 6 months.He says his name is chris adam works on oil rig in saudi arabia.I cant find any info on him.how can I check him out
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