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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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Topics
Shopping and Donating
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Romance Scams

It is your choice whether to submit a comment. If you do, you must create a user name, or we will not post your comment. The Federal Trade Commission Act authorizes this information collection for purposes of managing online comments. Comments and user names are part of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) public records system, and user names also are part of the FTC’s computer user records system. We may routinely use these records as described in the FTC’s Privacy Act system notices. For more information on how the FTC handles information that we collect, please read our privacy policy.

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.

StopMall
September 25, 2018

In reply to by Blue jacket

Can I post some pics of persons pics being used? If so how??
Carol
September 28, 2018

In reply to by StopMall

Anyone asking for iTunes.. steampacket cards western union .Chase bank .Fed ex etc...are scammers . The photos you are sent are stolen . Do a reverse photo image google it and take a look . Most say they're Army .. oil rigs.. Captains ..all are either widowers with children .. they all profess love .. it's all lies
danie29
October 27, 2018

In reply to by Carol

Thanks Carol! I met a guy on eharmony dating site back in August. Every thing was ok, texting and chatting and soon he got comfortable asking me to buy a ITunes for his daughter, I was completely blown away, and questioned it, he soon became very irate with me, and used trust issues against me, started to put me down completely, and then just recently asked me again for 2 separate ITunes cards for $100.00 a piece! And just a couple of days ago , he had a business offer and was awarded a contract, to go to England , and out of the blue, started to ask for my bank information! Account number, name and routing number so he can wire me money! Wow! Red flags every where on this guy, and I only known him for a couple of months, never met him, sent me pictures of himself, now I’m doubtful of that!
Jbeans
June 09, 2021

In reply to by danie29

I had a scammer named Bob from EHarmony who tried to hit me up for ITunes cards in late August early September of 2018. I wonder if it's the same one. Was he older with poor spoken English but good written English in his emails and texts?
jewels
November 01, 2018

In reply to by Carol

I think I am in a scam “relationship”. Here is a brief summary of my story. I have been talking to this guy who says he is in the Army and stationed in California. He asked me once for an iTunes card so he can download some music and games. I told him it was way to early to be asking me to buy him things( since it had only been about 3-4 days) he apologized for asking and said he just gets bored at the base. He said it’s okay no need to send it. Which I had no intention of doing anyway. It has now been a little over a week and he has already confessed his love for me and how he wants to spend the rest of his life with me. I think this is way to fast. But because I’m a hopeless romantic and he sent me pictures of “him” and the man in the pictures is gorgeous so I have continued to talk with him. But all kinds of red flags are starting to pop up now. His camera broke and can’t take pictures anymore when I asked for a specific picture but then continue to send some when I asked how he said he was using his friends phone. So my real question here is how do I do the search on the pictures he has been sending to me. The revise something you said... I really want to see if this is him or not.
Lolae
April 21, 2019

In reply to by Carol

What is a reverse image on google?Richard Poole deployed to Iraq. Wants his son Grey to be his mom. Wanted me to actually speak with his son, in Africa with caregivers. I said its too soon I wont lie to a child. Then 2 days later he askes if there is a Walmart near my work. He even said that a friend helped him out and texted me 2 itune checks for 100$ each..H e l p.
BeautyDon't us…
December 09, 2019

In reply to by Lolae

I met a nice looking guy named Richard Poole a few years back. Widowed from Spain .. current city was Atlanta. He worked for an oil company. Was in Africa and needed money for phone and apparently contracted milaria 3 times. When I didn’t comply with his demands he called me names.
Tryme.go
October 29, 2019

In reply to by Lostpup

I would like to know how to do a reverse google search too! I'm very ignywhen it comes to computers
Smw5700
February 16, 2020

In reply to by Tryme.go

Ask Google how to do a reverse picture. But I don't know how accurate it is because I did it on myself and I came up as a movie star. Never was a match for myself.
Babette
December 29, 2018

In reply to by StopMall

I will see if my sister can get something set up so we can share pictures...keep in touch with me..
Hedge.
August 13, 2019

In reply to by Blue jacket

Get the name of the rig and the oil company and call to see if employee or contractor
Kghife
September 03, 2018

In reply to by Sas

I also have this man asking me for money to get off out rig . I’m curious to see if it’s the same person . Where could we share pictures?
Offshorechick
September 10, 2018

In reply to by Kghife

I also am chatting with a man that works for Exxon who is on and oil rig with a contract. He’s asked me to get an $18,000 loan which of course I’m not going to. He says he loves me and wants to be with me the rest of my life. I’m so afraid that this may be a scam. He seems so sincere and I’ve seen pictures of his kids. He has a LinkedIn account and not much on the web regarding his name. He is very handsome… We use Viber to communicate. His name is Daniel… Anyone heard of this guy?
Smileyface
September 14, 2018

In reply to by Offshorechick

Hi have similar one working in exxon,asking to pay for contract in petrosa.. do you have his pics?
poetess
September 16, 2018

In reply to by Offshorechick

Hi there offshoreChick. Tell me more about Daniel because I may be able to help you. Does any of the following sound familiar? Was he charming and charismatic? Did he write like a highly educated person using some speech that is not normally used in conversation? Did he write poetically? Send you poems that he wrote? Does he write by often putting three dots before and after the start of a sentence, like this . . . YOU ARE TRUE LOVE . . . was in a bit of a rush and couldn't get to say all that was running through my mind to say when I awakened this morning . . . . . You are my beautiful fluttering innocence . . . . And I should not be pinching your wings so much . . . Sorry Butterfly. If any of this sounds familiar, please get in touch with me. So we can discuss further. As you can guess I am sailing in the same boat.
Oilrig
October 20, 2018

In reply to by poetess

Yes, that's the same guy I have! It's so funny that they think we will fall for this. Some of the poems are copied from the internet. Also did her give you a pic of the Exxon contract? Do a reverse pic lookup. I found where his other name are and the scams tied to him.
ellison scott
January 29, 2020

In reply to by Oilrig

Hi I’m dealing with same guy I believe. Please get back to me. I have dozens of pictures of him
AuntieA7
August 09, 2021

In reply to by ellison scott

Can you please send me pictures of man? I feel for certain it's the same one about the cause of family member of mine to lose everything they have. Thank you
Chile_Nita
November 09, 2018

In reply to by poetess

Hi... I have some concerns about someone that I met online back in August. Shortly after meeting he states he had to go to the an oilrig in the gulf of Mexico due to issue with equipment on a big contract he is working on. Writes beautifully, very handsome, we have talked on the phone, foreign accent. Claims his name is Alfred, he is divorced, ex wife moved out of country after divorce. needs money to finish fixing the equipment until he can request payment contract. I have pictures. How do I do a reverse picture look up.
Gullible
October 07, 2019

In reply to by Chile_Nita

Sainsbury similar to someone I'm talking to the name of Giovanni Ventura they're all the same
SanDiego
November 26, 2019

In reply to by Chile_Nita

I'm communicating with someone similiar..omg..thankfully havent sent any money. Do u have photo?
Worried1
March 21, 2019

In reply to by poetess

I have a guy that is writing to me he is supposedly in Syria and he seems like a really nice guy. But he does use this 3 Dot thing and I don’t get that. He does use words that are very elegant but nothing like what you wrote, nothing that is that poetic, sometimes I think he’s a robot because he writes so direct.
GinaD
November 12, 2019

In reply to by poetess

Hey there ! I'm in the middle of this now with a guy. I fell for it. He said all the right things. boy they are suave. Mine's name is Max Driain. As i'm reading all these posts its blowing my mind. Same stuff, same charisma. He got me for a $25 ebay card. I kind of thought it was a scam. I kept it going in Hangouts hoping he was real bc he was sending me pics. He knew what to say to keep me in the palm of his hand. Now reading this I realize its all the same scam and he's about to ask for money for his "daughter" . So I'm cutting the cord today! Thank s for all the info. Please email me again so we can compare more notes. Just feeling so dumb, used and desperate right now. HOping I will get over this feeling soon.
ImAIdiot
June 22, 2020

In reply to by poetess

I think I'm being scammed from the same person. Writes beautifully and sends many poems but it's never perfect English. Says he has a PhD and is a architectural designer and project manager. Even shown me pictures of his work. He's in Spain but lives outside Ft. Worth and has a daughter - 23 years old. His wife died of cancer and he was called to Spain for a contract before we could meet. He first lost his baggage with all electronics and needed me to send new items. Then he needed money but wanted it sent in Bitcoin - I was an idiot and did these things for him. I've lost so much money because I fell head over heals in love with this man. Now he is begging me to send more money because the contract is in jeopardy under a Tax Force. How did I get myself into this situation and I feel a shame?
Honorstrength
September 23, 2018

In reply to by Offshorechick

Do not give this person any money or even consider him a romantic opportunity. If you’ve never seen a real pic or talked to him on the phone, it’s a scam. Never give money to someone you’ve never met or online. This doesn’t sound right and I would break it off or ask him to come to you and then see how he reacts. He may come up with excuses and all kinds of things. You never know. Be safe and careful.
Jazzie080
September 28, 2018

In reply to by Offshorechick

What's his last name? Sounds like we maybe dealing with the same guy.
Kvitale
October 09, 2018

In reply to by Offshorechick

Please contact I've been talking to Daniel for 3 years..and he is requesting same amount t of money from me...he says ges a widow and has one son William and his story is lengthy...he goes by Daniel rory
Midgetjma
March 06, 2019

In reply to by Kvitale

Is this guy's last name Stanley? I'm dealing with a guy now same scenario and I have been talking to him 2years. Who do u report these people to?
Oilrig
October 20, 2018

In reply to by Offshorechick

Yep, I have the same guy it. It's a scam. No human will tell you they love you within a day without you meeting them. Don't do it. Keep your money. Life is too short to be lied to! I have pics, his kids, one is 15 and she's in college. At 15 you're in high school. They live in Washington but Irvine Texas number. Boy 5 years old, wife died! Don't fall for it. Mine wants iTunes card for upload to board of directors for work status!
Texan Ausie Oi…
November 24, 2018

In reply to by Oilrig

This Texan loverboy (originally from Australia) found me playing Words w/ Friends and boy was he good-looking and a smoooooth talker. Yes, he proclaimed his love for me within a week. He lost his wife in a drunk driving accident leaving a 14 year old son to take care of. I was the first person that he could trust to help him get over his loss. He was petroleum engineer stuck on assignment on an oil rig in the gulf until May. He sent me pictures of himself and a picture of a certificate of deposit in Amsterdam for 4.7 million dollars to show me that he was wealthy. Then he asked me to load money on I-Tune cards so that he could keep his phone running. He only got me for $100. Then after more sweet-talking, he asked for $5,600 to help his son take an educational trip to Europe. I let him beg until the deadline came and went. A day later it was 5,500 pounds for oil rig parts that were held in customs. Ha! Nice try Romeo! Beware. Not all that glitters is gold.
KK-NY
June 03, 2019

In reply to by Texan Ausie Oi…

Mine was from Words with Friends. Very smooth talker. In love within a week or so. Asking for money after the second week. Was very upset that I wanted to do a background check on him. Talked on the phone, the accent didn't match the picture or description.
Godloveyou
April 15, 2021

In reply to by Texan Ausie Oi…

What is this man name, I have the same story, also a picture of him. Thank you
Fooled4three monthsk
July 21, 2019

In reply to by Offshorechick

Yes check out Paul hollywood the British bakers pictures it's the pictures he using with many different names and kids or daughter
Peterpan59
November 18, 2018

In reply to by Kghife

Same here. Oil rig. Never met. Good looking. Needs money as equipment broke. Owes money. Fallen hard for this guy. Can we share pics?
Ashamed
January 17, 2019

In reply to by Peterpan59

What name is he going by? Mine is Sean Knox, suppose to live in rehoboth Delaware but is on an oil rig out of Houston Texas
Mermaid3
October 13, 2019

In reply to by Peterpan59

Same here. Words with Friends. Andre Anthony. From Toledo even though his profile showed Michigan. First asked for Google play card bc he’s stuck on oil rig. Then he needed money for a broken seal. $5800. He was good up until then. Fell pretty hard too.
HeatherA
September 03, 2018

In reply to by Sas

I think I may be in contact with a scammer who is very good looking and convincing. I have pics of him. I’d love to see if y’all pics to compare
AmyS
October 23, 2018

In reply to by HeatherA

I have LOTS of pictures of a man I've been in contact with. He is a very good looking, very charismatic man claiming he is in Australia buying gems to open up an antique gem store in the states. He's been there since April and needs money for the lawyers claiming his assets have been frozen from not paying taxes on some of his money. He's worth 3 million dollars. Asking for ITunes cards. Claims he is a software architect. He is 53 years old. And yes, I sent him the I-Tunes cards. I finally blocked him 2 weeks ago. Things he was telling me didn't add up. Pictures that he sent me were not from Australia. Claiming his love for me and starting a life when he gets back. I would love to see your pics as well!
Rosa
June 11, 2019

In reply to by AmyS

I would love to see the pictures . Taking to a guy with gems need help shipping. Back to Us from Turkey. Proclaiming his love and marriage .
llessur76
September 09, 2018

In reply to by Sas

Daniel Bradon - he is on Instagram - Said he was from Panama City, Fla. Big elaborate story about having a masters degree in Petroleum Engineering on rigs out on Canadian seas. Needed to claim BIG money from a previous contract in India but couldn't access it while on the rig so wanted me to collect it for him. Got some really illiterate Gmail from someone claiming to be with the United Nations and wanted my personal information so they could "verify" me as a recipient. I of course said no. He was very persistent, got ugly and angry so I blocked him. There are 3 others as well, similar stories, different jobs ( All were widowed in tragic circumstances, all have teenage daughters). And, ALL pretty much illiterate haha.
gobsmacked
March 04, 2020

In reply to by Grateful I read this

Hello, I fell for Terry Anderson hard. Three weeks of unbelievable emails and a couple of Skypes. Asked for money and I said no and then he turned. Please let me know if you know more about him
Canton
April 05, 2020

In reply to by gobsmacked

I have met a Terry Anderson. Have you video chatted? He is on an oil platform in the middle of the Irish Sea. Has a daughter called Lisa doing a Masters in Nursing. Lives in England but sounds American because he studied and worked there. Can we share pictures?
Houston
November 19, 2020

In reply to by Canton

Have been chatting with guy off of ig by the name Terry Anderson. Says he works for UNICEF. Has a 3 yr old that lives with his mom in Montana. Trying to send me money but needs me to get google pay card.
Needs to know
August 27, 2020

In reply to by Unlucky

I met this guy by the name of Christian Parker any one out there met him. He said he works on any oil rig. He has called me once. He's on a government contract he says.
memories01
October 02, 2018

In reply to by Sas

I have a "friend" from facebook name is Harvey...on a supposed oil rig in the gulf of Mexico...said he loves me from day one... only spoke 2 days...asked for photo's...I sent an old one...he sent photos...then on 2nd day asked me to get him itunes card so he could use his computer on the rig. Also wanted photos of me... I said no...he was angry but still texting his love for me???? Scam for sure
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