identity theft

Internet Dating Scam – Criminals Posing as US Soldiers serving overseas

The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command has issued a warning against Internet Dating scams and impersonation fraud involving US Soldiers. Female victims are promised true love by persons pretending to be US Soldiers serving in Iraq or Afganistan.

The US Army’s CID spokesman, Chris Grey, said

“We are seeing a number of scams being perpetrated on the internet, especially on social, dating-type websites where femals are the main target.”

The scam operates by the criminal stealing the name and rank of a genuine US Soldier who is currently working overseas. He then adds photos of a soldier and builds a false profile, in order to start trolling for female victims.

Once he has developed a relationship with the victim, he may begin requests for money for such items as a special laptop computer, international telephones or transportation fees. He says that he needs money for these things if the relationship is going to continue. He may say that he is unable to access his bank account or use his credit cards.

While the female victim believes that they are in a romance with a US Soldier, it is more likely to be a Nigerian using an anonymous internet cafe. Here are a few tips to help to identify the genuinity of your relationship:

  • Do some research about the soldier. Talk to other people serving in the Army to verify the information that you are given.
  • Does he say that he cannot talk in person? Scammers usually have thick African accents which could not pass for an American.
  • Does he say that he cannot receive or send mail? All US Soldiers have their own address for delivery and usually enjoy receiving mail.
  • Have you been asked for money after just a few weeks of the relationship? Many female victims are being scammed for tens of thousands of dollars.
  • Look for common spelling mistakes in messages which may indicate that English is not their primary language.

    • “They are not soldiers, they are thieves.”

    This is identity theft, so if you suspect that your soldiers may not be the real thing, then contact the US Army CID at www.cid.army.mil