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It’s Valentine’s Day and love is in the air. You may think you spend a lot on flowers or chocolate, but losing money in a romance scam would cost you even more. Last year, people reported losing $143 million to romance scams – a higher total than for any other type of scam reported to the FTC. And, according to a new FTC Data Spotlight, reports of romance scams are on the rise.

What do we mean by romance scams? We’re not talking about the person you thought was “the one” but ended up being a dud. We’re talking about people you meet online, who lavish you with attention … and then ask for money. Usually they want the money by wire transfer or gift card. They might claim they need it for a medical emergency or to come visit you. Then they take your money, but there’s no surgery and no trip.

Romance scammers are hard at work wooing people on dating apps and social media. They may lift photos to create an attractive profile or even steal the identity of a real person. Just like with real romances, it may take them some time to gain your trust, but the scammer’s payoff can be big. Last year, people reported a median loss of $2,600 from romance scams.

How can you avoid romance scams?

  • Never send money or gifts to a sweetheart you haven’t met in person.
  • Take it slowly. Ask questions and look for inconsistent answers. Check the person’s photo using your search engine’s “search by image” feature. If the same picture shows up with a different name, that’s a red flag.
  • Talk to someone about this new love interest. And pay attention if your friends or family are concerned.
  • If you suspect a romance scam, cut off contact right away. Then, report to the scam to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. Notify the dating site where you met the scammer, too.

For more information, read Online Dating Scams or watch this video:

 

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Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts
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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.

Celestina_Veiga
December 28, 2020

In reply to by Deborah

Hi, I have James Pedro, an orthopedic surgeon doctor in Afghanistan. He is also widowed, and has a teenage daughter.
pascia
August 27, 2020

In reply to by Nancy Drew

I want to share picture. What ‘s his name? My “orthopedic surgeon” grey hair , 53 yo, working with UN in Sana’a Yemen, have 2 daughters, wife passed away, sent me picture with green tshirt and cap after work out at the gym. Have picture with french buldog name jasper. He said he loved outdoor activity.
Just wondering
October 19, 2020

In reply to by pascia

What was his name? This name was 43 and he was single, no children but he was a doctor in Yemen.
K8m8
November 20, 2020

In reply to by pascia

Hi I may have the same person contacting me via words with friends. He days hes an orthopedic surgeon and wife died has an 11 yr old daughter who lost s leg in wife's fatal accident. How can we share photos.
Sherry T
September 26, 2020

In reply to by Nancy Drew

I am talking to an Orthopedic surgeon stationed I Istanbul Turkey . He is a scammer as well . Says his name is Patrick Amir Adolfo. Good looking guy has a picture in scrubs and coat in doctors office . Have a feeling the pictures are stolen .
Suspicious sc
October 29, 2020

In reply to by Nancy Drew

I think I’m talking to the same guy. He has a green shirt... another photo with his dog, a couple of pictures in his surgeon uniform...nice salt and pepper beard. He has a lot of pictures... please contact me
No no scammers…
December 28, 2020

In reply to by Suspicious sc

The green shirt raised a red flag!! I was approached on Instagram by someone wearing a dark green shirt, jeans, holding a bulldog, and another dog on this left, claiming to be an orthopedic surgeon working for the UN out of Iraq. This guy wrote to me in simplified Mandarin. He also knows very fluent English. He asked for my LINE and phone number for WhatsApp right away. He said he has twin daughters attending boarding school in Great Britain. Said his wife left him when the daughters were only 4. Now the daughters are 10.
Maria780
October 31, 2020

In reply to by Nancy Drew

Sounds like the man I've met, too. Green shirt in the gym. His dog a German Shepherd.
pengge
December 29, 2020

In reply to by Nancy Drew

Gello I think its the same muscular, good looking fellow that my bff is in communications too whose smoking her. Please send me pics of him in ghost green shirt n with the dog to compare.
pengge
December 29, 2020

In reply to by Nancy Drew

where did you find the photos? need to compare pls, my bff is getting scammed I think by the same guy. Shes out of some $ now.
Malu
January 03, 2021

In reply to by pengge

I have the same surgeon from Syria ... I blocked him buy I would like to see pictures to see if it is the same one.
Sophie
January 03, 2021

In reply to by Nancy Drew

Can you share a photo?? I also have met a guy saying he's an orthopedic surgeon in Iran. Has a son in boarding school
C. Millet
January 31, 2021

In reply to by Sophie

I think the same guy is texting me, goes by the name of David Clifford on Facebook, has a 12 year old son in boarding school called Terry, claims he’s flying over to England tomorrow to be with me but need to send £1500 to his agent for flight. Do you have a picture of him?
Dt
May 03, 2020

In reply to by debbie

My friend is involved with a man stating he is an orthopedic doctor working for the UN. Only seen him once. Said he was in Syria. Now says he's trapped in Greenland. Anyone can exit Greenland and Trynp stated that citizens can return. She sent him $15,000. He told her that he was a self made millionaire. why is he asking for money from a social security disability person. Can you post his photo? I have this man's photo.
Wondering Who …
October 10, 2020

In reply to by Flickofhope

I had been in contact with a Mason Logan, different story...was helping another man who was stranded which is the one who messaged me on Match, WhatsApp. Many promises made, non delivered. I'd be interested in learning more about him, them. The Logan Mason identified as a lawyer, barrister from Suriname. Called once from Paris, France phone number. The other, widowed in UK from Greece...Petroengineer. Was once on LinkedIn but deleted profile.
Pattycat
June 12, 2020

In reply to by Dt

I met a guy on Instagram who claims to be an orthopedic surgeon working for the UN. In Afghanistan. His name is Lewis Presley. He is always asking for gift cards because his computer doesn't work properly. I was very leary of him. His photos are of a very good looking man. Asian Indian appearing. He is currently on Instagram. See if u know him. Let me know. He has given up on me. On to new women.
RvLady.
August 03, 2020

In reply to by Pattycat

Just fished out a guy using a couple pictures of man and daughter. Saying from Texas, orthopedic surgeon working in Yemen for UN. Could not find any details for him and couldn't find his dead wife buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Using the Name James Ben, askedd middle name said Conrad but doesn't use it. Heard a lot of clues in his writing. Never asked for money yet, but did ask if I was financial secure. Would I accept his daughter Ella in our relationship. The pictures were priceless as I could have fallen for them both. He found me on instagram, which I only use for relatives. We chatted on gmail and hangeout. But I hit the video call button by mistake one night and all hell broke out. Saying he could be fired and then he wouldn't be able to get his benefits. So after a while and re reading things you say to yourself why would an orthopedic surgeon work a year for UN noy get paid till year up(that was his beneft). Never found any records for James Ben born in Corpus Christie, Texas or a doctor in Houston and his dead wife's Helens grave in Forest Lawn. Rest of his family dead so poor Ella (daughter) is in a safe house with U.N. cause her Nanny quit when virus came. Yup folks..... bye,bye James Ben. But loved the pictures wish I could find the real guy and his daughter. Shut him down this am after a lot of words came spilling out of my mouth. BEWARE
BamBam
August 14, 2020

In reply to by RvLady.

Way too many of the same stories being repeated....only child raising a child that is in boarding school because the "dad" is overseas working. Then all of a sudden they need money to be sent to child because their account is frozen. Cusses because I won't help "our child". Block immediately because it won't get any easier and they will continue to attempt you to send the cards. Even had the child reach out on Hangouts to get the money!. I asked for their school name and said I would contact the school to help. HUNG UP!!
LV24LRT
October 29, 2020

In reply to by BamBam

This is exactly what I am going through. I think I was a fool and sent "our son" gift cards and him money to get a package to me with my engagement ring.....Everything you have said in your one sentence is exactly what I am currently going through. I never thought I would be a victim to a scam but now I believe I am. Feelings very strong very fast I mean I love you within a week. Is this really a scam or real? How do you do a picture search? Wow!!! Is all I can say....
Love betrayal?
August 29, 2020

In reply to by RvLady.

The guy chatting with me uses the name Ben Joves. Says he was born & raised in Hawaii. Has a son in boarding school in California & he's a Dr stationed in Yemen with the UN. He says his bank account is frozen & needs money to come home so we can be married. I have pictures & we have video called. It is the same man as the pictures. Anyone want to share information & pictures please
'scammedt use …
November 24, 2020

In reply to by Love betrayal?

Would someone please send me a picture of the man they're talkin to I think I'm a victim too
MLady
September 25, 2020

In reply to by RvLady.

I have recently met a man James Ben in Facebook. In DP there was a picture of a good-looking man with two little cute daughters. Widow from Scotland. I loved the pictures, the guy and the daughters. He told that his wife died in a car accident 3 years ago. I have given him my whatsupp number and he started calling me and sending messages regularly. He has very cute Scottish accent. And starts any conversation like this: How are you doing Sweetheart, or Honey. After two weeks of communication he informed that he has been appointed Director General and asked for my full name, address since he was going to send me a gift. On the day of delivery a girl called me and asked: do you know James? Is the address correct? And informed that for customs clearance I should pay $1000. I refused. She replied: Please contact the sender. After he called himself. He told me that in secret he put 30000 pounds into the parcel and I should do my best to secure it. When I told that I would not do that, he got angry saying that I ruined his day. Started sending pictures and videos of all the items he send: hand bags, golden chains, iphone, laptop, his own picture near a plane, packed suitcase with all these things, but no air bill, no other relevant documents. I had to send his contact to blacklist. He started making plans for our happy life immediately, told that he sees me as the mother of his daughters. And send ready made love declarations typed in capital letters. In the end he always added I love you (putting my name). After that story he deleted his profile from Facebook. Please be very careful.
OMG
August 08, 2020

In reply to by Dt

Hi, a guy on Scrabble is claiming to be from Russia bit lived in NY. Orthopedic in Syria and working for UN. Divorced, has son in California . Antoh or Ahtoh is his name - can see straight through him - kept him chatting so I can report him.
Jessica
May 06, 2020

In reply to by debbie

Hi! I've been talking to a man lately woth similar story. He says he's an orthopedic surgeon who is about to leave to yemen for 6 weeks. He also has a son named owen and is widowed. We've facetimed a couple times and it's the same man from the pictures. The first time he was in his home trying to use chopsticks and the second time he was actually in the hospital. Would you mind exchanging pictures with me? I really think this might be the same man.
aksined
May 09, 2020

In reply to by Jessica

In Yemen? I know the same orthopedic surgeon with a beard. Widower with a son. She sent me pictures from hospital and in the orange uniform or another picture. But has not allowed videos. He is following many women. I found his pictures among scammers.
Karina
July 08, 2020

In reply to by aksined

Where the same story... With me he was Maarten Diederik. He claims that he was living in the Netherlands . But was a orthopedisch chirurg in Yemen. Have a daughter on a boarding school.
WittyBonita
July 26, 2020

In reply to by aksined

Hi! I think we're talking to the same person. He said he's an Opthalmologist working in Yemen for 2 years. He got 2 kids left in LA and living in a boarding school with their teacher. He sent me photos, same as the one in orange scrabsuit and some pictures with his kids. He said he can't do a videocall with me because it's prohibited but we had a videocall one time and he looks like as the same person in the picture he sent me but he was wearing N95 facemask because he said he's still on duty in the hospital.
CloseCall
February 23, 2021

In reply to by aksined

Can you please share your info on the Yemen surgeon with the beard .. think he's hitting me up now.
Don't Louievus…
March 05, 2021

In reply to by CloseCall

Dr in yemen. 14 ye old son in boarding school in canada..wife died in childbirth... lost the baby girl... Always needing money. Good looking with beard and scrubs. Cute and charming.. sometimes sings songs to me
Grets
March 13, 2021

In reply to by Don't Louievus…

Same experience. We always talked in hangout. I send him giftcard worth $500. Then he said he send me his documents and $500000 but i need to pay $3500 for delivery payment. I plan to send the money this tuesday.thanks God i find this site. Its a big help for me.
chelle74
August 01, 2021

In reply to by Grets

i'd be interested in seeing a photo if possible as this sounds very similiar to what i'm going thrugh at the moment
CAdisgustet91!
July 05, 2021

In reply to by Don't Louievus…

Does Yemen Dr always take pics in the gym or on the beach? Because I have seen one dude under about 8 different names. Reported him to POF.
Not happening
March 08, 2021

In reply to by CloseCall

WOW...sounds like the same guy I'm getting messages from
Kim
May 14, 2020

In reply to by Jessica

Hello, was your experience with a slightly chubby Asian Dr in Yemen, average looking. Says he's from Las Vegas now on contract in Yemen. Mine goes by username Roger on OurTime.com
Lin
August 28, 2020

In reply to by Kim

Hi Kim, I wonder it is the same guy, yes chubby Asian Korean looking guy claimed to an orthopedic surgent deployed to Afghanistan war zone for peacekeeping and saving lives! I added him on Facebook then he asked to communicate on Gmail and then progressed to Hangouts. I have his photo. How do I show it to you and check if it's the same guy?
Sarah
December 14, 2020

In reply to by Kim

Hi Kim.. how we can exchange his photo. I think i am talking to him now.
Liz
May 21, 2020

In reply to by Jessica

I’ve been talking to the same widower orthopedic surgeon in TN with a son named Owen. He knows I don’t believe him, but he still texts. Wish we could find the guy whose photos he stole. Some med student in Chicago? Who knows. Gave me the name Alexander Bradley. Has a large wolfhound but called it a German Spitz.
Kari
June 10, 2020

In reply to by Liz

I've been texting to a widower orthopedic surgeon in Yemen. His sons name is different. He works with NATO and his mission was for 6 months. He lives in CA not too far from my area. My daughter said he doesn't exist. His name does not appear anywhere on Google search or CA doctor search. We talk about our faith in God. So I trusted. Now I am concerned because he knows my name and all about my children. Besides stop talking what should I do?
AmandaK
June 24, 2020

In reply to by Kari

Hi Kari! I am so intrigued in your comment because I have a friend who is in the EXACT same situation with a guy named Dennis. Orthopedic surgeon with a son who lives in the UK, his wife died in child birth, Says that he wants to marry her, and he needs umpteen thousand dollars to pay the courier to get out of Yemen. Says he will be here in 2 weeks. I'm wondering if he's using the same picture? I'd love to send you a picture I have of him to see if it's the same guy.
pascia
August 27, 2020

In reply to by AmandaK

I’m in relationship too with a “called” orthopedic doctor who serve UN in Sana’a Yemen, have 2 daughters, he said from New Jersey, his name is Dan Bradshaw, white skin, talk polite , widower, wife passed away, know him from IG. Had video calls, face same with his picture. I’ve sent him google play cards twice, i talked on hangout, still communicate with him. He said need to leave Yemen to fly to US because his contract is complete. Need to pay transport for $2800 to get him out. He said he will pay me back for the cost when he is in the state.
leblue
July 31, 2020

In reply to by Kari

I think he's the same i'm talking to. Orthosurgeon from CA, in Yemen at the moment. his wife passed away, a beautiful little boy he shares pictures of. I haven't decided how to end this. i will probably go till the end, waiting for him to ask for money. so i will tell him that i send whatever he wants and can keep him waiting for the payment. I guess that having him busy with me can save someone else who's not lucky enough to understand it's a scam. because i was just lucky to see that after 1 week.
Lor
June 16, 2020

In reply to by Liz

Same exactly guy! Same story! Omg. He said he was in Miami. I matched with him on Tinder. This is terrible
Angel
May 25, 2020

In reply to by Jessica

I’ve met a guy in a dating app. He says he’s an orthopedic surgeon working i Yemen right now and will be there until next year. Can you send me pictures if him to compare with this guy?
disbeliever
May 27, 2020

In reply to by Angel

thank you - same contact yesterday - I just blocked on FB message - used the name William David - surgeon doctor with UN has a 12 year old son.
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