Scam Alert: Debunking False Claims About Deployed U.S. Marines in Tel Aviv
Have you received an email from someone claiming to be a U.S. Marine deployed in Tel Aviv, stating they are short on food and need support from their families? It's likely you're being scammed by a 14-year-old Nigerian scammer from Lagos. We want to assure you that the information in such emails is false and, unfortunately, part of a growing trend of online scams targeting unsuspecting individuals.
No U.S. Marines are currently deployed in Tel Aviv on a peacekeeping mission, nor have any U.S. military members reported running out of provisions or seeking external assistance.
Common Military Scam Tactics and How to Recognize Them
Scammers are adept at exploiting the military community's vulnerable demographic. Here’s how to identify and avoid such scams:
No Member of the U.S. Military Needs Your Money or Gift Cards
U.S. military members are provided with all necessary provisions and financial support. No Marine, Airman, Sailor, or Soldier will ask you for money or gift cards under any circumstances. This is simply an attempt to exploit your generosity.
Bank Account Freeze?
This is another common scam. Scammers will tell you that a member of the military's bank account is frozen due to a lost wallet or ID. This is false. Such issues are handled internally by the U.S. military through proper channels.
Military Social Media Use
U.S. military members are permitted to use social media for personal communication. They are not encouraged, commanded, or forced to use specific platforms for security reasons. Hangouts or WhatsApp are typically not mandatory or recommended by the military for security purposes.
Telephone and Video Calls
U.S. military members can make telephone and video calls. If they have internet access, they can do so comfortably. Hence, if someone claims to be short on funds and needs to contact you this way, it’s a scam.
No One on a Secret Mission Contacts You
The term "secret mission" is often overused and not something you would hear Marines mention. If someone claims to be on a secret mission and needs your help, it’s a scam. The word "secret" means they are hidden or not widely known, and no military operation is open for public disclosure.
No Fines for Commanders
U.S. military members do not pay fines to their commander or use terms like "My Commander" to refer to their superiors. Generals also do not use social media. Any such claims are false and should be reported.
Military Emails Have a .mil Extension
Official U.S. military emails end with ".mil". Anything ending in ".com", ".gmail", or other domains is likely a fraudulent email address.
Portfolios and Financial Transactions
U.S. military members do not use private couriers, diplomats, or shipping services to send personal belongings or financial items. Any such claim is fake, and you should avoid any emails making these promises.
No Leaves Call as Vacation
The term "leave" in the military context is not related to vacation. There is no fee to take leave, and this process is managed internally. No one needs your assistance to contact the "leave department."
Contract and Retirement Considerations
Military personnel cannot retire or break contracts while deployed. These claims are simply lies meant to trick you.
UN and Military Operations
The UN does not have a military force. They do not hire individual soldiers or generals. Military personnel report to their respective chains of command and not to the UN.
Online Contacts and Kinship Forms
Online contacts of a soldier cannot be recognized as "next of kin," pay for a fiancée form, or apply for a marriage certificate through the military. There is no such thing as a "next of kin" form or marriage certificates issued by the military.
The Military’s Financial Responsibilities
The U.S. military pays for all food, medicine, medical treatment, and transportation for its service members. There is no cost or fee to be considered for any military benefits.
Stay vigilant and always verify information from official sources. If you have any doubts, report the email to your local authorities or the military's official channels.