"Because a victim has legitimate feelings, they might be inclined to offer financial support for this person." For Best, it all started when she signed up for a free online dating site called mingle2.A man calling himself "John" messaged her and through daily phone calls and messages on Facebook, he gained her trust.And many of the scammers aren't even in the United States.

The victims reported collective losses of .4 million, which is likely only a fraction of the actual losses since many victims are too embarrassed to file a report, the FBI said.

This may be a surefire way to start a relationship that will be interesting at the worst, but many would rather meet with people whom they know share common interests and values.

Traditional dating won't die out if traditional values are maintained.

About 70% of the victims were female; more than half were women 40 years or older.

In a typical con, the perpetrator will spend weeks or even months building up a romantic relationship with a victim through e-mails, texts or phone calls, before eventually asking for money.