Unfortunately, not everyone online is looking for a real connection. You can also find heartless scammers who are only interested in luring in seniors and stealing their hard-earned money. These scammers use false information to create a fake profile and pose as someone they're not (such as a member of the military or a worker on an oil rig). They may also pretend to be interested until you've formed an emotional bond — and then the requests for money start coming. The Department of Homeland Security has a guide for spotting romance scams online. Here are some additional tips for avoiding online dating scams: Beware of excuses to avoid in-person meetings; scammers often make and break dates. Never send money to someone you meet online for any reason, including "loans." Be especially wary of anyone who claims to have a sick child in need of expensive treatment. Protect your personal information like social security, bank, and credit card details. Meet in public for your first date. Trust your instincts; if it doesn't feel right, walk away or block the person. If you think you've been scammed, report the scammer to the dating site or app you're using and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can also place a fraud alert on your credit report in case your personal info is compromised.