Online dating scams seducing Americans: agency

"Scammers sometimes use online dating and social networking sites to try to convince people to send money in the name of love," the Federal Trade Commission said.

"In a typical scenario, the scam artist creates a fake profile, gains the trust of an online love interest, and then asks that person to wire money -- usually to a location outside the United States," the FTC said.

Wiring money is the same as sending cash, it said, and "once it's gone, it can't be recovered."

The FTC listed a number of "warning signs" people should be aware of when cruising the online dating scene including love interests who seek to "leave the dating site immediately and use personal e-mail or IM accounts."

Online daters should also be aware of potential partners who are "planning to visit, but (are) unable to do so because of a tragic event" or are "claiming instant feelings of love."

"Asking for money to pay for travel, visas or other travel documents, medication, a child or other relative's hospital bills" are other warning signs, the FTC said.

(c) 2010 AFP