How to Spot a Scammer on Social Media: Tips for Real Soldiers

If you think you are communicating with a real soldier on social media but haven't met them in person, there is a 99.99% chance they are a scammer. Scammers often impersonate military personnel to gain trust and request financial assistance or personal information. Here’s how to protect yourself:

Recognizing a Scammer

The first sign is if the person is asking for money or any other form of personal information. If a person posing as a military member asks for your money, they are a scammer. Military personnel are well-supported and do not need financial assistance from individuals online. Always assume that anyone on social media claiming to be a servicemember is a scammer until you have personally met them in person and even then, exercise caution.

The Only Surefire Step: Cease All Communication

Take the only and first step: immediately break all contact with this person. The chances are 99.9% they are a scammer and only intend to defraud you. Real soldiers generally do not use social media to solicit financial aid or request personal information. To be safe, report any suspicious profile and block it.

Red Flags in Their Profile

Scammers will go to great lengths to portray themselves as authentic members of the military. They may:

Use over-the-top details to make their military background seem genuine Provide fake identification cards and claim to have been stationed in locations they never were Propose fake job titles and scenarios that sound important but are impossible in that military branch

For example, they might claim to have completed special training or attained a rank without any actual evidence. If a profile consistently asks for financial assistance, requests for information, or suggests sending documents or money through courier services, it is a sign of a scam.

Verifying Their Authenticity

While some scammers may use real names and provide seemingly legitimate details, verifying their status can be challenging. Here are a couple of methods:

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request: If the person is an American, you can make a FOIA request to verify if they served in the U.S. military. However, this method is not always foolproof due to the availability of basic military information online. Additional Information: It can help to request more details like their birthday, military branch, and rank to further verify their identity. Even with this information, results may still be inconclusive because personal details about military units can be found online.

In conclusion, being vigilant and cautious is key to avoiding social media scams. Trust your instincts and never share personal or financial information with someone you don't know in person or who asks for too much. Stay informed and report any suspicious activity to protect yourself and others.