How To Protect Yourself From Military Romance Scams

Online dating can be risky. Learn about military romance scams to protect yourself online.

How To Protect Yourself From Military Romance Scams

Online dating can be risky. Learn about military romance scams to protect yourself online. 

Scammers are now impersonating military personnel online to trick you into sending them money.  These fraudsters create fake profiles on dating sites, and manipulate you into falling for them fast. They’ll then ask for money so they can get out of an emergency situation. 

How Military Romance Scams Happen

Fake Identities: Scammers will create convincing profiles, often stealing the photos of real members of the military. They may claim to be stationed overseas or in active duty and will connect with you over dating apps, social media or email. 

Ideal Targets: Scammers will look for people who are open to connection or support. Targets often include members of the military or someone connected to the military. 

Requests for Money: Once a relationship is formed, the scammer will ask for money for a number of fake reasons. Common excuses include:

  •  Paying fees to take leave
  •  A plane ticket to visit you
  •  Covering food or medical expenses while deployed
  •  Asking you to send money through a convincing but fake military website to receive a care package

Red Flags To Look For

These scams can be convincing, especially when the scammer builds a relationship with you. Common tactics the scammer may use include:

  •  Using urgency and stress to get you to send them money quickly
  •  Emotionally charged messages to manipulate you
  •  Claiming sudden emergencies that need money to fix
  •  Refusing to video chat
  •  Details in their story are inconsistent and don’t make sense
  •  Asking for money through cryptocurrency, gift cards or wire transfer

How To Prevent Military Romance Scams

  •  Know Your Facts: The best way to prevent being scammed is knowing how a real member of the military would act. Active-duty service members do not need to pay for leave, food or medical care during deployment.
  •  Be cautious: Never share personal information or send money to someone you’ve only met online.
  •  Verify Information: Look up profile photos and ask detailed questions when possible.

Staying informed on romance scams is your best defense. If something feels off, stop talking to the person immediately. If you suspect you’re a victim of a scam, report it to the FTC.  

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