Are There Scams Involving Military Men Sending You Money?

Yes, there are indeed scams where individuals impersonate military personnel to defraud unsuspecting victims. These scams often involve a con artist pretending to be a soldier stationed overseas, claiming to need financial assistance. They usually establish a romantic connection with the intended victim through online communication, before requesting money for various purported reasons, such as medical emergencies, travel expenses, or to pay for military fees.

Common Signs of These Scams

Unsolicited Contact: The scammer may reach out to you first through social media or dating sites, bypassing traditional methods of meeting friends. Romantic Advances: They often move quickly to establish a romantic relationship, despite never having met in person. Speed in building a connection may be a red flag. Requests for Money: They will eventually ask for financial help, often citing urgent or emotional reasons. This is a critical step to watch for. Vague Details: They may provide limited information about their military service or avoid answering specific questions. This evasion could indicate they are covering up their true identity. Reluctance to Meet: They typically have excuses for why they can't meet in person or for why video chat is impossible. This reluctance can be a warning signal.

If you suspect you are being targeted by such a scam, it is crucial to cease all communication and report the incident to the appropriate authorities or platforms. Reporting these activities helps to prevent others from falling victim to these schemes.

Common Scenarios of Military Scams

Here are two common scenarios of military scams:

Claiming to Have Found a Box of Millions

In one scenario, the scammers claim that a military soldier said he was given or found a box containing millions of dollars or gold. Over messaging apps like Messenger, WhatsApp, Google Chat, Kik, or Telegram, the scammer will often say he wants to send it to the victim to help with customs fees or delivery costs. The catch is, the victim must pay a fee ranging from $500 to $5000. The scammer promises that the recipient will receive double the amount paid from the supposedly sent box. However, the recipient will soon discover that the box is empty, containing no money or gold.

Requesting Secure Portfolios during Attacks

Another scenario involves military generals asking to send sensitive portfolios that must be secured when under attack. The victim is required to pay a fee to receive the portfolio, similar to paying for the supposedly sent box. This scenario is particularly dangerous because it leverages the trust associated with military service.

It is essential to be cautious when engaging with anyone claiming to be in the military. Never accept anything from them or pay for anything they ask you to do. The military does not find boxes with treasure, nor do they send their portfolios home to strangers they have never met.

Recall that most military personnel on the internet are fake. They are forbidden from posting photos in uniform and disclosing their rank. If a soldier claims to have done so or posts a photo in uniform, you can be certain that they are attempting to scam you.

Thinking about these common scams and understanding the red flags can help protect you from falling victim to the schemes of scammers posing as military personnel. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay vigilant and be skeptical, always verifying the authenticity of the person you are communicating with.