Scam Alert: Red Flags for Online Relationships with Pretending American Soldiers
Online dating has gained immense popularity, but unfortunately, it has also become a territory for scammers. One particularly sophisticated scam involves pretending to be an American soldier. These scammers create convincing profiles, making it challenging for potential victims to discern between a real military person and a fraud. Let's explore the telltale signs to help protect yourself from falling into this dangerous trap.
Common Red Flags
The only reliable way to verify the authenticity of an online profile is through personal interaction and verification. If a profile claims to be a U.S. military member, check for the following warning signs:
Personal Verification is Key: If someone contacts you online or on social media, there's no guarantee that their profile is genuine. Knowing the person in person or double-checking the profile information outside of social media can help. Blue Verification Badge: Authentic military profiles on social media platforms often receive a blue verification badge. This badge is usually an indicator that the user is a real military person.Other red flags include:
Online Contact for Relationships: Real military members do not initiate or respond to online relationships for personal reasons. If someone approaches you, it is most likely a scam. No Online Dating Sites: Military personnel are not on dating sites. They are meticulously trained to maintain a low profile. Infrequent Video Chats: While military members may communicate with family and close friends during breaks, these interactions are rare and often conducted through official channels. Request for Money: Scammers often pose as soldiers in trouble, requesting financial assistance. Any request for money should raise immediate red flags. False Stories and Claims: If someone tells you a tragic tale of being away on a dangerous peacekeeping mission or urgently needs money to return home, it is a clear scam.Specific red flags to watch out for are:
No Generals, Brigadiers, or Enlisted: High-ranking military personnel, like generals or brigadiers, are not on social media platforms. They are usually well-known and have official communication channels. Pressure to Provide Money: Genuine military personnel do not ask for money to communicate or to return home. If someone asks for money, it is undoubtedly a scam. No Basic Needs Reconnaissance: Military personnel are provided with food and basic necessities during their service. Asking for money to buy food is a clear sign of a scammer.The Best Approach
Based on the experiences of many individuals who have fallen prey to these scams, the advice is clear: do not engage in any online relationship if the other person is a military member claim.
"I had one going for over 4 years. Lost a lot of money. Tears and emotional distress. If you’re lonely. Try to go to church. Friends referrals. Just don’t get hooked up with anyone online. It will only bring you headaches and heartbreak."
The best answer is unequivocally to not start a relationship if the other person is claiming to be a military member. This advice is based on the profound risks and heartache that come with these scams.
Simple is! If ANY MILITARY PROFILE CONTACTS YOU ONLINE, ITS A SCAM! PERIOD
Remember, real military personnel maintain their privacy and do not seek personal relationships online. Always stay vigilant and protect yourself from these sophisticated scams. By taking this precaution, you can ensure that your online interactions are safe and hopefully, fulfilling.
References and Sources:
1. Army Times. (n.d.). Military Scams: Who Are They and How Can I Avoid Them?
2. Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association. (n.d.). Non-State Actors Accessing and Exploiting DoD Networks
3. Department of Defense. (n.d.). Military Fraud and Identity Theft