Be Wary of Online Military Scammers: How to Protect Yourself

Online scams targeting military personnel or their loved ones are all too common. A recent story revolved around a so-called deployed navy sergeant in Yemen, with the scammer asking for various forms of financial assistance supposedly to help a sick child or store gold bars. Here, we discuss how to identify such scammers and protect yourself against them.

The Nigerian Scammers Scam

Many online scammers claim to be in the military, especially in volatile regions like Yemen. They often use the lure of assistance for a loved one, such as a sick child or financial troubles due to danger in a deployed location. However, these claims are frequently not genuine. One tip-off is the mention of Marines in Yemen, as Marines have no active stations in that country.

Understanding the U.S. Military Terminology

The U.S. military follows specific traditions and terminology related to the service branches. Understanding these can help you verify if a person's claims are real. Here's a breakdown:

Army Soldier Air Force Airmen Navy/Coast Guard Seaman Marine Corps Marine

As for the call for convincing and convincing honesty, it's always best to ask to see them live on camera in their uniform with their companions. A legitimate military personnel would likely have a valid excuse to refuse this request due to security or privacy concerns. Should they request anything of value or cite a bank account freeze, consider them fake. They may be part of a professional online scam group with multiple targets.

Verification Methods

To further verify if a military personnel mentioning is real or fake, consider these steps:

Ask for a DOD-provided email address. Most service members have access to this through their official email account. The most critical portion is the server ID, which should read . Never agree to contact official government entities through personal or non-official email providers such as Gmail. Request the contact information of their commanding officer. If they refuse or provide fake details, this heightens suspicion. Caution against sending compromising pictures or personal information. Scammers use such information for blackmail.

Real-Life Scam Example

A recently reported scammer claimed to be a deployed navy sergeant in Yemen. This scammer requested various monies for gifts, gold bars, and even asked for the daughter's name and email address. Initially, the interaction seemed genuine and affectionate, but the scammer became incredibly persistent and manipulative as the initial requests for money did not materialize. This is a stark example of how scammers can employ a facade to gain trust and then resort to more aggressive tactics.

The scammer's claims were further exposed when a Google search on the provided ID did not lead to a legitimate government site. This red flag should serve as a warning to skeptics and non-skeptics alike.

Conclusion

Online military scams are prevalent, and their victims may feel emotionally vulnerable. It's crucial to be aware of common tactics and take precautions. Always verify through multiple channels to ensure the authenticity of any claims. By staying vigilant, you can protect yourself from falling victim to such scams.