Many people looking for love turn to the internet to try to find a match.
However, scammers sometime use online dating and social networking sites to start a relationship to carry out a scam.

The Federal Trade Commission says a scam artist will create a fake profile online, gain the trust of an online love interest, and then ask that person to wire money. They usually want the money wired to a location outside the United States.

The FTC says the warning signs include:
-wanting to leave the dating site immediately and use personal e-mail or IM accounts
-claiming instant feelings of love
-claiming to be from the United States but currently overseas
-planned to visit, but cancelled because of a tragic event
-asking for money to pay for travel, medication, a relative's hospital bills, recovery from a temporary financial setback, or expenses while a big business deal comes through
-making multiple requests for more money

The FTC warns that wiring money to someone they haven't met is the same as sending cash. Once it's gone, the money can't be recovered.