How to Spot and Avoid Military Scams Targeting Soldiers Returning Home
It is a common misconception that there are U.S. military personnel deployed in Yemen. In fact, the U.S. does not have troops actively stationed there. Furthermore, a soldier's enlistment does not expire during their deployment. Extensive procedures and logistical support are in place to ensure that soldiers safely return to their home base before out-processing.
Understanding Common Scams
Scammers often prey on the situation by fabricating stories where soldiers need help returning home or ask for funds for transportation, hotel stays, or even for personal emergencies. These stories are based on fictional scenarios, such as:
A soldier's wife or family member is in a crisis, and they need money immediately. There is a misunderstanding with the military, and the soldier needs to pay for a hotel room while getting through the out-processing procedures. A soldier is stuck in a foreign country and needs money to fund the return trip home.However, all these stories are designed to exploit the soldier's situation and extract money from victims. It is essential to understand that the U.S. military ensures safe transportation and logistical support for soldiers during and after deployments.
Common Warning Signs
Several red flags can help identify scammers trying to target soldiers. Here are a few things to look out for:
Contact initiated through non-military communication platforms like Hangouts or WhatsApp. Requests for personal information or financial details. Stories involving a complex and urgent personal emergency (e.g., a family member falling ill or a legal issue). Promises of an urgent solution that requires immediate payment. Avoidance of video calls due to security concerns.Real military personnel typically have access to their bank accounts from anywhere in the world and do not require outside funds to return home. During deployment, soldiers cannot take ordinary leave to go home, making these claims even more suspicious.
Actions to Take
Should you come across such a scenario, it is essential to take the following actions:
Do not provide any personal information or financial details. Report the incident to the military authorities. Block the individual and refrain from engaging further. Utilize resources such as Scamhaters United for more information and support.Education and awareness are critical in protecting oneself from such fraudulent activities. By staying informed about military policies and being vigilant, you can avoid falling victim to these scams.
Conclusion
The U.S. military ensures that soldiers have all the necessary support to return home safely and smoothly. If someone contacts you claiming to be a soldier in a crisis and asking for money, it is highly probable that you are dealing with a scammer. Always verify information through official military channels and avoid sharing personal or financial information with strangers online.
Major resources for additional information and support:
Wikipedia: Military Royalty Scams Investigate My Case: Military Romance Scam Hacker News: Military Romance Scams