Military scammers: how to spot a fake servicemember online
Quick answer
If someone you met online says they're in the military and asks you for money for any reason, they're a scammer. Scammers steal real servicemembers' names and photos. Cut off contact, report the profile and tell the FTC.
- Comes by
- Social media, Website, App, In person
- Last updated
How it works
Scammers pose as servicemembers stationed overseas on social media, dating sites and apps. The FTC says they often steal real servicemembers' names and photos for fake profiles. The chat can turn to love or even marriage quickly, but there's always a reason they can't meet in person or on video.
The story ends with an urgent need for your "help", which means money. They may ask for gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps such as Apple Pay, Cash App, PayPal and Zelle, or cryptocurrency.
A second version targets servicemembers in person. The FTC has heard from people approached outside military banks, such as USAA and Navy Federal. A stranger says they're in a tough spot and asks you to send a few dollars through the bank's app. Once your app is open, they reach for your phone, and can move money out of your other accounts too.
Red flags
- A profile photo that appears in several profiles on different platforms
- They ask for money, for any reason
- They ask for gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps or crypto
- They can never meet in person or on video
- The relationship moves to love or marriage very fast
- A stranger outside a bank asks you to hand over your phone or open your banking app
Example message
I'm a soldier deployed overseas and I feel a real connection with you. I'm having trouble getting leave approved and need $[amount] for the paperwork. Can you send it by gift card? I'll pay you back when I'm home.
What to do
- 1
Stop contact and don't send money
If an online friend asks for money, cut off contact. Block the profile and tell the platform, dating site or app.
- 2
Check the photo and name
Do a reverse image search of the profile picture. Search the name online with the words "scam" and "imposter". If details don't line up, it's a scam.
- 3
If you sent money, call your bank or payment provider
Tell them it was fraud and ask them to stop or reverse it. For gift cards, contact the card company with the card number and receipt.
- 4
If someone grabbed your phone
Call your bank on the number on your card, change your banking passwords, and check every account for transfers and new loans in your name.
- 5
Watch your identity
If you shared personal details, consider a credit freeze. Our guide on what to do after a data breach covers the steps.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers pick targets from public profiles, and details like your name, phone number and relatives are easy to find on people-search sites. Serus finds the data brokers that list you and removes you from them, and alerts you when your data shows up in a breach, so less is available to build a convincing approach.
Frequently asked
How can I tell if a military profile is fake?
The FTC suggests a reverse image search of the photo and an online search of the name with "scam" and "imposter". If the photo appears on several profiles, it's fake.
Would a real servicemember ask me for money?
The FTC's advice is that if an online friend asks you for money, for any reason, they're a scammer.
Is there an official list of military scammers?
We don't know of an official list. Check each profile yourself and report fake ones to the platform and the FTC.
I was approached outside my military bank. What should I do?
Never hand your phone to someone you don't know. Tell local police and your state attorney general, then tell the FTC.
Sources
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