Unmasking Scammers: Identifying Genuine Soldiers from Online Crooks

Have you ever received an unsolicited friend request from someone claiming to be a U.S. Army or U.S. Marine on social media? If so, you might be dealing with a scammer. This article aims to help you identify red flags and military scammers from genuine soldiers by analyzing their behavior and interactions.

Red Flags of Military Scammers

One of the most significant red flags is the fact that legitimate military scammers do not reach out to random strangers online. They are busy, and their primary focus is on their duties, training, and family. Interaction with random strangers online is highly atypical for them. Therefore, if you receive a friend request or a message from someone claiming to be in the military, and they initiate contact with you, there is a very high likelihood that they are a scammer.

Behaviors of Scammers

Scammers typically seek information they can use to exploit their targets. If someone you meet online starts asking for your banking details, personal information, or anything else that seems too intrusive, it is a major red flag. Be extremely cautious. Any military scammer who asks you for this type of information is almost certainly trying to scam you.

Trust and Credibility

Trusting someone with secret military information is a military scammer's biggest deception. If a so-called soldier approaches you and claims to have important information he or she needs you to keep confidential, and then asks for money, this is an unmistakable sign that you are dealing with a scammer. Military personnel are ethically and morally bound to protect classified information, and no one with a genuine military background would ask for money in exchange for such information.

Online Dating Scams

When you come across someone on a social media platform or a dating app who appears to be a military person, it is crucial to be highly suspicious. Whether this person approached you unsolicited or you found them on a dating platform, the chances of them being a real soldier are slim. Such people are often operating from call centers in third-world countries, pretending to be military personnel to gain the trust of unsuspecting individuals. Real military personnel are immersed in their duties and usually do not have free time to spend online networking or seeking relationships, especially not on a dating app.

Best Practices for Safe Online Interactions

To protect yourself from these scammers, always follow these guidelines:

Do not provide personal or financial information. Do not engage in conversations about secret military information, political matters, or any other sensitive topics. Be wary of unsolicited messages or friend requests from military or oil field engineers, medical professionals, or individuals claiming to be in any profession that cannot be easily verified. Block and report any communications that make you feel uncomfortable or suspicious. Conduct your online interactions in a professional and respectful manner.

If the person on social media starts asking for money or if you have any doubts about their identity, immediately stop communication, block the email address, and report them for phishing attempts.

To verify if the person is truly a military individual, kindly ask to see their dog tags and military ID. Real military personnel will always have these documents on hand. If they provide any of these, you can further confirm their identity by cross-referencing the details with the provided information.

Conclusion

By following these guidelines and being vigilant about the signs of military scams, you can protect yourself from deceitful individuals and maintain safe online interactions. Remember, the reputable military is always busy with important missions and duties, and they value the privacy of their personal and professional lives. Scammers, on the other hand, operate in the shadows, seeking to exploit the kindness and trust of others.