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If you’ve seen the news, ‘romance scammers’ are among the eighty defendants indicted today by the Department of Justice in a scheme that stole millions from Americans.

Check out this video about how to spot and protect yourself from romance scams. Then share it with your friends.

Illustration of a woman using a dating app

People reported losing $143 million in romance schemes last year, more than any other type of fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission. But there are steps you can take – and then tell someone about. So watch the video, learn more, and pass it on.

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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.
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  • 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.

oil rig scam c…
February 23, 2021

In reply to by Oil Rig Scam

I suspected something was wrong with this charming romantic man and the story above replicates my experience in the past few weeks. I googled his name just now and found this dialogue. Same story about the oil rig, company in Alaska, poor internet connection, requests to transfer funds from his account, send purchase orders on his behalf etc. Supposedly living in Madison, CT with another home in New Jersey, widower, very handsome and charming but every time we were to meet something came up. Again this weekend when he was flying from Alaska but flight was canceled due to weather conditions in Texas. Again requesting $$$ to be transferred from his account to the steel company for delivery of materials. Even said I could transfer money to my account for helping him out. That was the big red flag. I feel foolish - suspected too good to be true on Match.com but all the recent events in the past week made me suspicious. I agree - trust your gut not your heart.
Swiss oil rig …
July 08, 2021

In reply to by oil rig scam c…

This story is so similar to mine. Swiss vey good looking and charming goes by the name Calvin chris, The sweet poetry, love and want to marry texts, transfers from his account to pay for materials. Now account not accessible, bank blocked it for too many attempts hasn’t asked me for any money yet.
vic
March 04, 2021

In reply to by Oil Rig Scam

I had replied to this but do not see my reply. I was scammed by the same person's name with the same exact details, except he was on OK Cupid and he said he lived in Madison, Connecticut. All the other details were exactly the same!
Don't usinging…
January 02, 2021
Anyone had contact with a Mark Roland on an oil rig in the North Sea off the coast of Norway. We’ve been texting and chatting since May. Same story a machine broke and he needs money for a new one. Says he has a daughter in England studying to be a doctor,wife died of cancer 6 years ago. I spoke with someone who claimed to be the daughter and she invited me to come toEngland to visit. I have pictures of him, White hair,blue eyes, handsome, nice smile. Writes romantic letters, sent me flowers when Iwas in the hospital. Says he’s Swedish. Sent me a picture of his passport. Anyone know of him.?
Davefazz
January 03, 2021
I think I'm being scammed by a girl in the Netherlands
Scam is real
January 04, 2021
Got me!! Dude goes by name of David Tyler Donald. Real smooth talker, claims to be an independent Marine Engineer Contractor working in Alaska on oil rig. Wife cheated and lied, 2 kids (a girl 7 and a boy 5 in boarding school (of course). BEWARE!!!!!! SCAM!!!!!
Alohabea
March 01, 2021

In reply to by Scam is real

Did you say he a welder in Alaska, it sound like same guy asking 50k
Sheba
April 20, 2021

In reply to by Scam is real

David Tyler asked me to help him to pay $3,000 for his daughter’s hospital bill. And he asked me to give him $200.00 for Apple gift card. And he kept telling me when he can get money from me.
Trompeta
January 04, 2021
I’ve been chatting with a guy called Richard Rivera, he said is working in the Gulf of California in a rig. If anyone have gotten in contact with this person, please let me know. Thanks
CCNMB
January 07, 2021
Has anyone been involved with an oil rig scammer by the name of Mark Spencer?
Don't singinus…
March 02, 2021

In reply to by CCNMB

I am texting with a Mark Roland. Claims to be Swedish, older white hair, blue eyes,good looking. He says he’s on a rig in the North Sea, has 2dogs with him. Needs money for a new piece of equipment. Would love to compare notes with you.
Dam
January 25, 2021
Has anyone else been contacted by someone who works on a crude oil supply vessel in the North Sea that has apparently broken down? I have been chatting to someone who has made this claim to me and now wants to send money and documents to me for me to keep safe. I was a little suspicious before but this has made me more suspicious.
Patricia
February 03, 2021
I was scammed couple years ago. I have been texting a guy named Robert Steve Johnson from MI, he works on rigs. He seemed different & sincere but as times passes his manner is like others. Now asking for money for cell service so he can get his job done & return home so we can meet. As I understand everything they do is paid for including their ticket to & from the job, food etc. Does anyone have information to share with me? I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, Patricia
SonDiamDon't u…
September 23, 2021

In reply to by Patricia

Patricia: sounds very much like the person I fell in love with on Wordzee. Then we switched to Hangouts. Within a few weeks he was calling me honey. Soon he had fallen madly in love with me! I spent money on Google play cards, paid for a casing head and then customs payment. Next he wanted me to have iPhone 13 multiples sent to my house and for me to send them to another address. That’s when I realized (with the help from friends) that he is a scammer! I felt before he was a scammer but I wouldn’t allow myself to believe it! Now I know better. I won’t ever text him again! His name is Grey Patrick. He is in the North Sea in Norway on an oil rig . He is the manager and plans to retire after this contract expires in November 2021. Already calls me his wife. Has sent nice photos of himself! Is drop dead gorgeous. Grey hair beginning to recede a little, with brown eyes. Son in civil air patrol in USA. Do not be fooled by this man. He is a smooth talker who will take you for everything he can get from you!
Worried
February 04, 2021
I am talking with a man named Theo Kristen who says he's working on an off shore oil rig in Turkey. I'm not sure if I'm being scammed becsuse he hasn't asked for money but wants to send me money to buy a house for us. Does anyone have any feedback on this man?
DoShygirl
February 26, 2021

In reply to by Worried

Hi this sounds like my current guy named Jerry Mosher, working supposedly on an oil rig off Sicily. Not asked for money but keeps saying he will send money to buy a house for our future, no upper limit on price, but never sends any. Smooth talker and very clever or a quick google checker, as I keep asking questions about oil rig working which he answers. I knew mine was a scammer as he sent photos supposedly recent, but they were dated 2020.
California
February 06, 2021
Is anyone talking to Jeff Smith contractor on an oil rig, 2 boys in boarding school. He is in Oman. Wanting to meet you. Real smooth talker. Due to security he can not call you. Want to marry you . Open account where he can transfer funds into from the international bank ACB
Gabound2020
February 08, 2021
I am concerned for a older lady. The mans name was Michael grew. Then a new man named “Robins” maybe Ron.... is now on his 4th excuse of why he wasn’t on the plane. Was robbed in Syria, in the army, needs medical down payment for surgery, manager named ONeal..... cash app sent to pennie Newton??? Anyone know of this person or sound like your man??? I have pics also. Black bald man looking about 40ish!!!
2404abc
February 10, 2021
David Anderson - David Mobi Group - says he is an engineer doing a large oil deal. He is half Brazlian, 6'1', sent flowers and lots of sweet talk. Same photos as Ivan Alekhin. He connected with me through FB. He said that he didn't have enough money for the taxes he needed. That was a big red flag. His English is not that great.
Kedforever49
February 13, 2021
I have been scam by a personal they said they are nfl player Rayne Dakota Prescott for the last 3in half years of $1800.00 I have his number and I want to know is it really Dak Prescott and I have all the pictures and text messages over ours conversations and I have pictures of the gifts cards that I have brought and he wanted me to cut up the cards and deleted the text messages, I have contacted the owner of the Cowboys and the owner of the NFL Commissioner nobody's wouldn't help me. please can I get some help.
Aminor
February 19, 2021
I have been talking to a man supposed to be working on a oil rig in the gulf of Mexico. He followed most of the scammers rules. Like had me to start chatting on a different web site. Fell in love quickly. But he has sent me pictures and video chats and he told me he was going to go to the hull and workout in the gym. Then sent a video of him working out. But when I do a reverse image and email nothing comes up. He did ask for 200 for a phone card when I said I couldn't do it he said fine I will have to use someone elses internet so if I can't talk to you as much this is why. So is he a scammer
Nicole
February 19, 2021
I have a nasty feeling in my gut about what I read on here and I'm just so unsure of everything. Has anyone heard from an Andrew Morgan from Texas working on the oil rig off the Coast of Mexico? Completely declares that he's not a scammer and frantically tries to call me (via HangOuts App) when I bring it up, even though he's not supposed to make calls supposedly. Newest thing is that he has a trunk from a UK company that is going out of business and it holds family heirlooms and papers. Of course this incurred port fees and such totaling almost $5k. There are emails with an Agent from the company and I've looked up this company online and it seems like a legit company. But again, still not sure. My growing suspicion is when I've said I will not pay something with Bitcoin (because they all want to try that) when this "Agent" gives me an address to send a FedEx with cash in it. Red flags were going off. I just don't know. I've searched for Andrew Morgan on this site and other searches and this name hasn't popped up but maybe he hasn't been caught yet or he's new to "the game". Does anyone recognize this name?
Lucybaby
February 23, 2021
Does anyone know a guy called Jack Lawerance lives in Florida but works on the oil rigs I mrxco
Tudor rose
February 24, 2021
Hi, met someone on hangouts. All going well, seemed like a genuine bloke. Working on an oil rig in the gulf of Mexico, widower with a son. He asked me for a gift card which I refused, now he's ignoring me. His name is Matt low.
carefultoafault
February 24, 2021
Engineer, lives in Dallas, wife died in car accident two years ago, met on ScrabbleGo....rents cranes, independent contractor....is ScrabbleGo s known site for scammers?
Notsmarterthan…
February 28, 2021
Marci Lombardi. From Florence living in US, widower with 13 year old son being raised by his mom back in Italy. Worked me on text for two months and then he left for Italy and then he left for the oil rig. He’s a chemical consultant and the shipping of chemicals has been delayed, delaying his return. Oh and he needs money to get the chemicals so he can come home and finally meet me and we can be together. He didn’t ask for money. I almost offered. Then I found this website with the too similar stories. Thank you for saving me, and my savings account!!
Islandqtie
February 28, 2021
My friend is chatting with a 60 year old polish guy that started messaging her on Yahtzee or scrabble I believe. He lives in California and says he’s a logger. They only text after 30 days and no FaceTime or talking on the phone. I think he’s a scammer. Anyone else run across this guy? Says he’s widowed and has a 17 year old daughter about to leave for college
Nicole
April 01, 2021

In reply to by Islandqtie

Islandqtie, what is the name this person is playing or saying his name is? The person I am chatting with is also Polish and met on Yahtzee. Although he has called me thru the Hangouts app. He is also a widowed gentleman in his 60's but stated he lives in Texas (although they can say whatever they want to keep us guessing). Also stated he takes care of his granddaughter going to school in New York. Please publish his name on here to know what names are being used. I'm wondering if its the same person.
Alohabea
March 01, 2021
Actually, gotten message from facebookdating ..Mr .George muensterer kept on saying " own small company does Welding in Alaska oil rig ".. he needed complaining didn't get loan from bank due low credit score .. conversation gotten seriously "how much can you send me? " .. reality, love don't demand nothing .. if your interested see photos or message ? Reply
nc girl
March 01, 2021
if anyone hears of a guy named Gerry lakewood Or Ciro Gerry Lakewood Corvi.. work on rig off coast of Louisiana. Just moved to Key west originally from NYC. Wife died and nannie help him raise 16 year old daughter.. so believable.. . pipe welder the boss. called and texted all time,, run away from this man..
almost scammed
March 01, 2021
I have been talking to a David Joshua fits all the criteria for oil rig scammer 1) first name for both first and last name 2) widowed 3) Child living with a nanny 4) Has to only communicate on Hangout 5) Calls but no video calls 6) English broken and grammar poor 7) Falls in love quickly 8) Has no communication for a day and then claims an injury and needs medical treatment for $7,500 to be sent Bitcom. I sent nothing and blocked him. Sad Sad Sad
Pegjean
March 02, 2021
How do I find new for guys real or oil rig engineer working in the Philippines says his paychecks are on hold can't get his money asking for money always
Catapatric51
March 04, 2021
Been talking to Robert John who I met in Facebook, moved to Hangouts. Very quickly in love with me and wants to marry. Has an accent that he says is Icelandic, independent contractor working on an oil rig in Aberdeen Scotland. Claims to be divorced with a 14 year old daughter. Pictures he shares are of a very nice looking man with a mustache snd short beard, salt and pepper. Says he is 57. I’ve asked him to send selfie’s and hold a sign and date it and he’s done it! Yet, there are shadows on the picture that could be lighting or photo shopped? My gut tells me that the guy I’m talking to is younger and I can’t shake the feeling that he’s using someone else’s pics. Then came the story of the tragedy on the oil rig with a runaway piece of equipment. Many hurt. He tried to save these guys. He lost his wallet with his cash snd credit card. Here we go! He’s responsible so he won’t get paid and needs 3,000 to get home to California and pay his medical bills. I said no. His bank will reissue his card etc. he claims funds are frozen. He knows I don’t believe that. Then he sent me information on buying bitcoins in case I change my mind. Do it for God! He says. I told him God said no. Then he started asking for steam cards and pushing for the 3,000 so we can be together. I stopped talking to him.
Don't uOse you…
March 07, 2021
My Step Mom was talking to a man named Bruno, an alleged Architect, who was working under a Military contract and now she is talking to a Charles from Texas who is working in an Australian mine. So far Charles hasn't asked for money , but it's just a matter of time. The patterns are they have one child, working out of the country, something catastrophic happens where they need money, and they keep pushing back the time frame for which they come back to the states. Beware ladies. These men know you are vulnerable.
Sophie Chan
March 07, 2021
I just wanted to share my story. I have just been a victim of this oil rig scam. It is too late for me, I have already lost $70,000. The person is called Charles Liu. He messaged me and within a couple of weeks he said that he loved me. He is a widow, his wife died in childbirth, and he has a young daughter. He said he was working on an oil rig and had some problems. He wanted to send him $5000. I did it. Then he wanted me to send him more money, I did it. Eventually I ran out of money, I used up all of my savings. I asked when he could give me my money but he never replied back. Then I researched this 'Oil Rig Scam'. I thought I love this man but he is a fraud. He hasn't replied back to my messages. I am so devastated and feel so foolish that I fell for it. Be careful women! Don't send money to someone you have never met!!
Bhsrn
March 11, 2021
I have been chatting with John Robert Brandon, says he is from Oklahoma, a civil engineer who was building a mosque in Turkey then got sent to Ekofisk, a big one rig operation in the North Sea. When he left Turkey he supposedly sent luggage to me with jewelry, a large amount of cash, and document. He used Hex Logistics, a Shipping company, and the luggage got confiscated in Ukraine for custom fees and now taxes. And he is stuck on Ekofisk, with bad health problems. Does any of this sound familiar? He says he is 62, and this is his last job. Can only interact on Hangouts.
Singingdiva
March 14, 2021
Ladies PLEASE BEWARE of MARK ROLAND I’m sure he uses other names too.I was scammed by him. He says he is a Swedish engineer on an oil rig in the North Sea. Very charming,says all the right things.Just don’t cross him ,he’ll become a completely different person, very belligerent. Claims his wife died of colon cancer and he has a daughter,Jenny studying to be a doctor in England. He is actually a Nigerian. Phone number is 510-544-7459.
Queen Bee
March 20, 2021
Has anyone been chatting with a guy named Antonio Piero on a oil rig in the gulf of mexico has a son in the states staying with friends. He has told me the company name and the platform name.he calls andd video chats with me. He has sent pictures.Just wondering if he ia a scammer.
Betty H
March 28, 2021
I have a feeling I am being scammed. The name he is using is Ryker Hoffman. He says that he is Chief Engineer on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. There is an account under that name on facebook with details identical to those he gave me and a photograph. Please have a look and let me know if you recognise him. Thank you.
mtc76423
March 28, 2021
Anyone talking to Jeremy Luster? He claims to be an engineer on an oil rig North Sea Aberdeen Scotland. Also needs money to get home to Houston to dying daughter.
Bonnie62
March 30, 2021
I have an Adam Pacheco who is "on a ship" outside of Dubai. Son Owen is in boarding school. Wife and older son dead in plane crash. Loves me after a week,..... how do I see the pics you guys are talking about? This is a good looking gent with a beard.
Anne
March 31, 2021
Anyone heard of a man named David Lorenzo, working on a rig off of Sicily Italy? Wife snd son killed in car accident, parents deceased, claims to be from MO?
Discernment
March 31, 2021
Beware of Andre Reifer he’s a Jamaican guy who said he’s an petroleum geologists working offshore live in New Orleans. Same story: widower, wife and son died in accident. He’s a liar and he will ask for money. He’s on POF date site. Good looking doesn’t “ meet the profile “ don’t get taken.
Tired62
April 01, 2021
Has anyone talked to Patrick Moses? He is a general surgeon in Mexico working for UN. Has 2 daughters in boarding school , wife passed away 7 yrs ago in car crash
Jayne
April 12, 2021
Has anybody been scammed by a Matt Walter. Same ole story. Works on oil rig in gulf of mexico. Can't video chat. Wife died car accident. One girl one boy in boarding school. Just recently ask for money to repair machine or he loses his job. From germany and lived in Miami. I have blocked him and done other things to discourage him. But he uses different names or emails. Please be aware. Thanks
Lorenzo
April 12, 2021
Been talking to this person for 6 weeks. He confessed his live to me with 3 weeks. He is a chief engineer on a rig in the north sea. Lives in England. Wife died of cancer 6 yrs ago. Wife's name was Helga. He is very romantic, poetic, attentive and also sent me his SSN#.. To prove to me he was "real". He is finishing his contract on the rig and a pipe broke. Then he hit me with the bomb and asked to borrow 50,000 and will pay me back once he gets paid by Shell. Then he will be flying to the States. To live with me.(Not). .. he is going by the name Paul Lorenzo. Very handsome. I feel it's a scam, however, some days, I actually wonder. Anyone else talking to the same person??
nothingleft
April 13, 2021

In reply to by Lorenzo

Hello, chances are they are all part of one network is what I'm learning and they probably aren't using the same names. I am so in love and recently, I just came to my senses that I'm possibly being scammed. Have you met him yet?
bedija
April 13, 2021
Do someone is contacting with oil rig peroleum engineer by Kelvin A Nowland, from Austin TX widow, I found him in f.b with another name Kelvin Appolo ??
Gullibleone
April 13, 2021
Oil and gas engineer - British accent- name of Oskar - says he lives in Canada but currently working in Turkey Has not asked for money but he keeps having all these dramatic things happen. Is this familiar to anyone?
Worried
April 13, 2021
I’ve been chatting with William Murphy. He is supposedly a Dr and working on an oil rig. I think I am being scammed as he is supposed to re-pay me for phones he purchased on my account. Looking for information/help. Thanks