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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.

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.

Brie
December 22, 2020
I'm finding all that he says hard to believe. I'm an executive asst. In business. I know things re business. Everything he says is contraire to what I read re offshore drilling rigs. He's been there so long he ran out of supplies for his 80 men. The rig isn't feeding them. Or giving them water he says
# not that stupid
December 23, 2020
I’ve been chatting to a guy for a couple of months very convincing. But full on says he’s working in hati on a project but is having problems with shipping the tools to get the job finished. This is where it all get confusing, he sent me a link to his bank account saying he couldn’t access it and asked me to go into it and transfer money for equipment the account balance was $ 4 million . I did as he asked x 2 and the transaction was completed. He once again asked me to transfer some funds to Kay for shipping but on the last transaction the account was frozen. He is now asking me to lend him the $37000 dollars to help him unfreeze the account . I’ve told him no several times now and said I havnt got that kind on money. It appears very plausible because of the access he gave me to his bank accounts but my gut is telling me it’s a very elaborate scam!
Saw the Light
February 18, 2021

In reply to by # not that stupid

This is a similar story that occurred to me with a guy named Harry Wilson. But he said he was in the Virgin Islands...apparently! Sent me all the info to his bank acct as well...but he too said it was frozen & he couldn’t get it. The story was so elaborate...but I believed him unfortunately. Beware! Cut your ties!
DAAWIFE1990
December 23, 2020
His name is Peter Rowland, started that he was interested in getting to know me and basically wanted my email address so that we can communicate back before off the dating site because he didn't have time to be under all the time because of his job well he said that he was working in Michigan on a project as an engineer civil contractor builder and all of a sudden two weeks into the conversation he decides that his daughter needs emergency surgery he has to fly back home to Germany to sign paperwork to get the surgery done well low and be home he supposedly can't access his money because his ATM card's not working over in Germany so he contacted me and wanted me to go to bitcoins machine get money and send it to him so that he can supposedly pay his daughters hospital bill and get a ticket and fly back here to me well the Bitcoin people said that because I didn't know him I shouldn't send the money and they set me a link for the Federal trade commission I filled that out and I blocked him on my email and on my cell phone
pest controller
December 23, 2020
Could someone has somebody , who now in South Africa, Cape Town?
Close call
February 07, 2021

In reply to by pest controller

Yes, a guy I met on zoosk who claims to be a mining contractor working on his last project in South Africa before retiring and returning to the US. His name is supposedly Steinn Leiffsson with profile name Tall4myage. Two months of emails and phone calls. I ended it when he came up with a story about a mining accident that he was liable for and had to pay $400k. He wanted me to send him $50k in Bitcoin. Major red flag. I ended it immediately.
Karla
January 05, 2022

In reply to by pest controller

I like the helpful information you provide in your articles. I'll bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I am quite sure I will learn plenty of new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!
pest controller
December 23, 2020
If somebody knows the guy Craig Martinez, from LA?
Maria
December 23, 2020
I met a romance scammer on match named Daniel who talked me into going to hangouts. Profile said he was from my city and he claims to be a commodity trader in cocoa beans, which took him out of town as soon as we started liking each other -and the next logical move was to meet. I actually accused him of being a scammer with fake photos, and he is so good ( and/ or I am so gullible) he convinced me he might be the real deal. He travels luxury all the way, stays in the best hotels, claims to be widowed with a 22 year old daughter at Oxford. Was raised in Stockholm and moved to the midwest from Conneticut after his wife died. Speaks 3 languages and has an accent. He was working on the trade of a lifetime through a German trading company, that took him to Indonesia/ Bali....and suddenly is short $12500 for the import tax on the cocoa beans that he is buying (only has 47000 in his account)....that he needs urgently before Christmas so he can get home to see me and his daughter, (who I guess is magically able to get out of Britain during the recent pandemic travel ban). Said he'd pay me back.immediately with interest as soon as he gets home. Not giving him the money; and wish I had stayed my ground the first time I called him out on his scam....he really knows what to say to keep you hooked. Told me how embarrassed he is for asking, and he still wants me to pick him up at the airport when he gets home. HAH! Anyone else know this guy?
Cookie @1856
December 24, 2020
Name Sonia brian morrison a engineer.widowed 2 kids 68.handsome gray hair German accent
Melanne
December 26, 2020
How do I upload a photo here? I'd like to share a guy who asked my friend to send him money. He has a fake account on Barclays and supposedly rich millionaire. Mel
Not quite
December 27, 2020
My man says he's an independent contractor on an oil rig in the gulf... First asked for eBay card for credits for phone, then money for seabags to transport oil. Then more money for two men taken hostage! All in all just under 20,000. Wasn't happening for me.. Ladies, Google their phone numbers, look out for lots of handsome Germans on wwf, and they almost always have 2 first names as their full name. My guy, handsome blue eyed goatee and beard.. Was coming to my state to meet, before pirates attacked his ship and took two of his crew. His name, or what he calls himself is James Miller... Oh and we were going to get married also. Lots of men from Germany with last name Miller. If your going to talk to strangers online, never, never say you are widowed, they see insurance payout. Say you are single. Also never say what astrological sign your born under. They can search for your birthday. I feel fortunate I have good instincts.
Jenny69
December 28, 2020
I believe I am being scammed by a guy named Frank Alberta asking for money for a machine on a oil rig. Has a daughter named Karen. Quickly confessing his love for me. Wants me to take out a loan for 12 thousand dollars. And now telling me about bitcoin. Help
humberto
December 28, 2020
I have been talking with someone from askarovo in the kurgan region,Russia she told me that she went to the Russian embassy in moscow and she need to declare at least 2400 dollars so she can travel to United states and meet me , I need and advise how to deal with this if it a scam,or someone using another person identity, thanks
Don'tvi use your
December 29, 2020
Does anybody know Robert Miller from saint Paul Minnesota petroleum engineer keeps asking for money
NoMoneySent
January 02, 2021
Has anyone been contacted by Phillip William? He is a scammer for sure! He says he is 51, from San Francisco, CA, an Orthopedic surgeon working for the UN in Somalia, has a son, Harry - 16 years old and his wife is deceased from a car accident 5 years ago. He even sent me a pic of him next to her headstone - except her name was "Williams". He sent me a friend request on Facebook and I hesitantly accepted. Right away he insisted we go to Hangouts. The story is like most others:. fell in love with me after just a few days, can't live without me, wants to marry as soon as he returns to US, etc. He is constantly trying to prove that he is not a scammer, even did two very quick video chats ,using my name in them. He has now started asking for a $100 or $300 iTunes card to file medical reports for the UN. He gets upset when I tell him no and says that I don't care about him. So beware of him - he is very convincing and has an answer for every question! December, 2020 to January, 2021.
Sophie
January 03, 2021
Anyone have contact with a 52 year old orthopedic surgeon who has a 13 yr old son in boarding school in Canada. Working overseas in Iran for NATO.
From TN
January 06, 2021
Has anyone been contacted by a Benjamin Orton who claims to be a doctor from New Zealand working at a Yemeni military installation? Benjamin Orton alleges he has custody of his son who is living with Benjamin Orton's nephew in New Zealand. Caught Ben Orton in a lie when he said he's a "military doctor". When I confronted him with he's a civilian doctor from New Zealand in Yemen, his answer was he's still on a contract as a doctor in Yemen.
From TN
January 07, 2021
Has anyone spoken with a Benjamin Orton? I was contacted by him in mid November, 2020. He friended me on Facebook. Allegedly, he is a civilian doctor from New Zealand who is working on a Yemeni military installation. He stated he has been "divorced" for 3 years & has a son who is living with his nephew in New Zealand. As we were chatting a bit, I caught him in a bit of a lie. Ben stated he is a military doctor. When I stated he said he was a civilian doctor, he kinda changed his tune & said that he is "on contract" as a civilian doctor from New Zealand.
Frenchfranc
January 07, 2021
Woman professed love etc the first time we talked. I just laughed to myself as I KNEW. Asked her were she was living. She said that she was living in a state in my time zone. She sent me a text with her phone.... area code was from CALIFORNIA. lol I confronted her.... did not answer me back.
Samuel12
January 22, 2021
He goes by the name Kishan Singh Godara met him on Facebook Marine Engineer supposedly in Syria white beard white goatee hazel eyes watch it ladies 64yrs it's not him it's someone else Scam artist.
Melli Mel
January 22, 2021
Accepted a LinkedIn connection from Patrick Edward. We’ve barely been talking for a month and he says he’s a Mechanical Engineer for Bayshore Marine in Ocean City, MD. I offered to go visit and he insists on coming here. I have pictures— he says he’s Scottish but today he asked for $3000 to fix the boat he’s on. I asked for his social security number and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t have one!
Joliebutterfly
January 24, 2021
I met a man on elite singles and went by the name Hane.Started talking then he wants to email stated his name was Antonio Hane. His parents have passed no children and he is divorced. He emails log messages stating g you are hos world,and makes you feel very loved and special. He stated he had to go out of town to Ohio for business. He states he works for a software company, and has had a breach of security and ask if I could send a few hundred to help rectify the situation,and someone else could take over the contract. When I said I didnt have the money he sent another email asking if ther is anyway to get a loan or borrow mo wy that he is needing help .asked if I could raise 5000.00 as he is working on 45000. On his end to get this cleared up.
Cuddle
January 26, 2021
I'm trying to find out about a walter james claims tj be working on oil dublinoff shore says he wants ne to for his4 days vacation but I throught that they don't have to pay so plz help
Songbird
January 30, 2021
I think I might be the victim of a scam....Have been video chatting--albeit short video chats--with a man for about a month now. He has checked out on Linkedin and some other searches, but now, some things just aren't adding up. He actually gave me his bank account info and last 4 of SSN. I still have the info, but he has not asked me to do any money laundering or anything. It is just my 'spidey senses are tingling'. His name is Diego Fransiciso. Says he lives in Orlando. Does underwater welding.
Crazy
January 30, 2021
Does anyone know something about a guy called "Fred Woan " met him on the dating side Tantan. He told me he is working on a rig in turkey actually he is from USA California. He clam to have no social media. I try to search for him but didnt find anything..i was searching for his pictures too but could not find them somewhere online. He was asking for money because his bank account is blocked now he cant finish his job on the rig and leave. I dont know if that is posible. We had a phone call sounds realy like a guy from the US to me ( i'm not from the US) . He told me on a rig you cant have a mobile phone.. i dont know if that is true because i never talked to someone from a rig before. The problem is i feel for this guy usualy i know very fast if someone is a scamer but in that case i'm not sure. We are talking for 7 months now everyday. Please if someone is out there with a clue or Information help me.
Anne
February 02, 2021
Yes, ladies. This guy named Aleksi Churchill. You guys watch him. He asked for money and he calls me names if he don't get it. A widow and one daughter 13 yrs old in boarding school . No relatives. I have lots of pictures of him. Someone asking if a picture was taken on a car with his daughter, yes, I have one. I will send it to you if it the same person. Everything you described is the same as mine. Gave me a bank account that I had an access to get in to his account with millions in the account but the bank doesn't exist. He owed a lot of taxes and freeze his account, he says. He invited me to go and see him at the oil rigs in Berlin at my own expense. I didn't go. I didn't give him what he needed to go somewhere and he disappeared on me . He got all my life savings. I'm so ashamed what I've done.
CMC
February 03, 2021
Has anyone heard of an Anthony Brown from Virginia, whose currently in Turkey stranded!
Brokenheart
February 03, 2021
I have been on dating site couple months5 times I connect with scammers been threatened blackmailed never gave money this is way out of hand scary...these are the names and sites cause all are still there Raymond THomas , Some one goes by king of hearts v. Hurt on what app hurt also on Twitter jeffery hernado scott richmond any body info on let me know
HeartbrokenSam
February 04, 2021
Never trust a Wendy Lorna Martinez, claiming to be a gold miner's daughter of a deceased father. This gold heiress. Claiming to live in London, UK. Having affiliations with Ghana Accra Africa and some family in Florida. Claiming to have a mother by the name of Isabelle Alice Emmons. I met Wendy Lorna Martinez on the Eris Dating App back in October of 2019 and was talking to her off and on until May of 2020. Had her even blocked several times. Sent her an exorbent amount of money that tallies to about 3 grand. She claimed to have a hefty multibillion dollar fortune, to be granted to her if she appoints a husband. I was going to be her husband. But that all ended when I got tired of the run around with her. Then Covid-19 hit and dating wasn't going to go anywhere. Even flights from the UK and back, was on hiatus. Still is. Anyway, I'm out 3 grand, oh well. And a hundred bucks I sent to her on a gift card. I was only being nice and got my heartbroken and nothing in return. Whatever anyone does on dating apps, do not trust a Wendy Lorna Martinez.
Smart Latina
February 04, 2021
I meet a guy on TikTok who goes by the name of Franklin Thom he says he is on an engineer on an oil rig off the golf of Mexico. He said he was a widow for 3yrs with a soon to be 14 yrs old son. Claimed he lived in Oregon, for 7yrs but original from Scotland. After 2 wks I asked more info about his son, told me his son’s Bday was the next Saturday. Dangled the kid saying if I was going to b a stepmom that maybe i could get what he wanted for his son’s bday. Said the kid “needed” an IPhone 12 Pro Max and EarPods. To send the money via PayPal to the kids guardian. Well, I sent him a message calling him a scammer. Signed it Smart Latina. Messaged back “Wow, are you kidding? What have I done to make you think that?....duhhhh Needless to say erased and blocked him everywhere.
Mariposa
February 08, 2021
My Brother met a vietnamese female online. He's been to see her twice, and twice he has been mugged! His passport was then lost, but GF found it on top of the wardrobe! His mobile and camera were taken, he has never got those back. She then asks him for money to help pay for her surgery on her appendix- she has shown no evidence of this. He has bought her other expensive gifts andhas said that he will giver her his bike. I expressed my concerns to him, he has never spoken to me for since hten. It is only because I care! I have a gut feeling he has been scammed!
Rei15Don't use…
February 08, 2021
It happened to me now. I know this guy from Pinterest, he confess that he fall in love with me and he convince me that we will live together and he will marry me. He said he’s Korean but lived in New York since he was kids, his parent are died, he have his own business and now he’s working offshore and ask me for money around $1000 cause he’s in the middle of something urgent and promise will give back my money after he’s out. I feel confused, but i should know there is something odds since the beginning we start chatting. I expect too much from him and fall for him already..
Nisha
February 10, 2021
Anyone know an Owen brigs. No social media footprint. Contacted on Facebook. Claims to be from uk, engineer, wife died, 11 years old son, sister and mother in states. Recently asked for large sums of money
Aminor
February 12, 2021
Anyone ever dealt with a Man named Antonio Piero. Working on a oil rig in the gulf of Mexico. Has a 12 year old son. Wife is dead.
Carla
February 14, 2021

In reply to by Aminor

No but I have dealt in detail with a man called Henry Stewart, Henry Seward, Henry Christopher Stewart. I’ve never read about so many people were dead relatives of my life! If anyone has heard this name or talk to anyone with this name please reply. I have given this man nothing. Caught him using someone else’s picture then he supposedly sent me his actual picture as well as a video only 20 seconds long
Fed up with scammers
February 12, 2021
A dozen men have tried to scam me the names are George peterson, Ron Steinar, Christian Armstrong, Eric Wolverton, Larry Dave Benson, Lawrence Ray, Christopher Dawson, Roland james, and so many others that I can't even remember. They all have the same pattern of going abroad and getting stuck, being on an oil rig, they are abroad and they have a catastrophe happen. They all come after me for gift cards, money, or to access their account and make a transfer. It's all ridiculous and pathetic fortunately I have not given out any money and do not intend to. The romance scams are out of control. All these guys have a parent from abroad, and one parent from the states. Don't believe anything that anyone tells you online. They move fast, they are smooth operators. Even the online video calls seem fake.
Saw the Light
February 13, 2021
Sadly, I suffered once again from a guy on FB meet. Called himself Gary Anthony . Claimed he lived in FL bit did alot of family business in Edinburgh, Scotland. States he was quite wealthy. Our conversations went on for some time. Sent convincing pictures & of course good looking. Sent him pics of me too. Thought it was good especially after my last romance burn. Then he asked me for a iTune card as they were hard to get in Scotland. Sent it. Then he told me his business was in trouble & needed money to help it. Of course he promised to pay me back immediately and professed his love & that we are going to be together. On & on it went. I succumbed & eventually he bled me of $26,000 although he kept professing he would pay me back. Never got a penny. So embarrassed by being reeled in another time. So broke had to file bankruptcy. Please pleae ladies...they are all scammers and their stories are so convincing & your heart wants to believe everything & trust them...DON’T!!! They don’t care about you @ all...they just want to build their bank accounts!! I pray this guy gets caught too!!!
Frustratedashell
February 15, 2021
Hi, I’m talking to guy by the name of Paul Harrison. He is from Brazil, left his son in Ohio and works a oil rig in Alaska. We met on word with friends 2. He just recently asked for a itune card to buy a video game. Not sure if he is a scammer. Does anyone have any info. He has sent pics and we video chat once
Maggie 1010
February 15, 2021
Ask for a selfie of them holding a paper with the current date
Almost caught
February 15, 2021
Ask for a selfie with a paper showing the current date
Dog gone
February 15, 2021
A lady named Elizabeth Bess asked for money for new hearing aids and gas money to meet. Anyone heard of this one?
Jeanette558
February 16, 2021
Met a guy name Steve Hampton on tinder. Talk to him for about a month then he went to Qatar on an oil rig. Supposedly there was a huge storm and some of the equipment got damaged and one of his employees injured. Now we can’t complete the $10 million contract because he can’t access his money there and wanted me to send them $5000 as a deposit on the new equipment he needed that supposedly they wouldn’t send because of Covid without a payment. Supposedly lost his mom dad and sister all to Covid. As a 12-year-old son in France supposedly have France half American.Has a Nigerian accent however and uses Nigerian words like severally instead of severely
Tami
February 17, 2021
Has anybody heard of a man name Mark Stevenson out of California? He’s about 55, supposedly a OSHA consultant, from Latvia. His daughter just moved to Germany and his mom is back in Latvia, lost his wife five years ago to breast cancer. I thought he was the real deal. He said he was coming from California to Oklahoma before we even started talking and even sent me a copy of his plane ticket, everything good until he was supposed to leave yesterday, he says he’s on the plane but the airline shows that both his flights were canceled. I can’t find any information about him in California with his name email or phone number. I didn’t hear from him at all yesterday and woke up to an email from him claiming to be in jail in St. Louis and needed $750 to get out of jail. He was going to give me an account number up there in St. Louis, then he had to pay the officer, for COVID-19 quarantine. St. Louis isn’t doing a quarantine right at the moment so everything he’s told me has been a lie. He’s nice looking, bald, Green eyes or hazel, does it work glasses, sometimes a ball cap sometimes not. He’s got a tattoo on each of his arms, beard and mustache that is quite grey. I met him on plenty of fish website and we started talking immediately offsite. I told him today that I was insulted by him thinking I was that stupid. He tells me I’m paranoid and can’t help the person I love so he can’t be with me. I told him I knew he wasn’t in jail, or I knew he wasn’t in St. Louis either. Has anybody heard of him
Saw the Light
February 18, 2021
Be on the lookout for someone who calls himself Gary Anthony. States he lives between Scotland & FL. Runs the family business...yeah...he’s crooked! Sure, he sent photos of “himself” ...good looking, etc. yes, we talked on the phone on Whats app, but never FaceTime...always some excuse for a delay. Sadly trusted his good faith, supposed Christian talk, thought he was truthful about paying me back...he just scammed me with more desperate stories which sounded believable. He even intimidated me saying how bad things were without my help...I lost $26,000. So sick over all this. Can’t believe it happened. Please, dont fall for it. He used a Scotland phone number...44-746-684-7872. Beware!!
Firsttimescammed
August 17, 2021

In reply to by Saw the Light

I'm sorry to hear this happened to you and I feel for you. I've been scammed for the first time and we actually talked on video call once. I have many pictures and videos of the guy and I'm looking to report him or something can be done. Like what happened to you this guy claimed to be a good Christian and actually new a lot of christian faith. Hope you get over all that.
Saw the Light
February 18, 2021
Be alert to the names of Harry Wilson & Gary Anthony. Met both originally in FB. Then “Harry “ had me meet him on Hangouts. Then “Gary” has me meet him on Whats app. These were at diff times but learned the hard way...scammed of $46,000 total between the two of them. Thought they were real, honest , sincere, trusting & was told I would be paid back! I wound up having to file bankruptcy. Lost all my hard earned savings. If you don’t meet them face to face. Forget it!!! There are sooo many scammers out there as I am learning! Such a scary world. File a complaint with FTC, FBI and your credit bureaus. Just an awful experience. Hope this will hep someone!!
Alexandra
February 26, 2021
I,am talking to a Dr Michael Williams in Yemen I am not sure what to do. If he is the same man or not.
MonaC
February 27, 2021
I wrote yesterday I don’t know where it is the lady who is the agent text and said she was wrong person don’t contact again I believe they are a team. He is blocked yet he calls I text and said his wishes were being respected as now he said bye leave me alone I wasn’t there when he needed me the most. Today he called twice then said it was an accident I told him bye. Macello Lucas and masello Lucas anyone ever met this one?
Catseye56
February 28, 2021
I have been talking to a guy via text, for almost a yr and he wants my license to make me a beneficiary. I have refused to give it to him and he’s making me feel bad that I don’t care about him. Is this a new scam?