Their virtual conversations may seem authentic and progress rapidly to discussions of affection or even matrimony. However, they always have excuses for why they can't meet face-to-face or via video.
Curious about distinguishing a real profile from a fake one when you come across someone on social media or a dating platform? It can be tricky, especially when scammers often pretend to be military service members stationed abroad. So, how can you spot a fake profile and avoid falling into their trap?
Here's the bottom line: if your online buddy requests money or any kind of financial reward, no matter the excuse, they're most likely a scammer. Their online presence is carefully crafted to appear genuine. These scammers frequently use the identities and images of actual military personnel for their fake accounts.
Their virtual conversations may seem authentic and progress rapidly to discussions of affection or even intimacy. However, they always have excuses for why they can't meet face-to-face or via video. And it all culminates in a plea for your "assistance" (= money) urgently. In other words, you're dealing with a scammer.
Look out for these red flags that indicate someone pretending to be a military service member:
• Their picture appears on multiple profiles across various platforms. Make sure to verify the person you're communicating with. Conduct a reverse image search of their profile photo. Look up their name online along with the terms "scam" and "imposter" to uncover any suspicious activity. If the information doesn't match up, it's likely a scam.
• When someone starts asking you for money, it's time for the scam alarm to go off. And if they have the audacity to request money through gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps like CashApp , Venmo, Apple Pay, PayPal, or even crypto, then all the scam alarms should be blaring loudly.
• Scammers often claim they are unable to meet face-to-face. They may mention being overseas, stationed at a remote location, or affiliated with a global entity.
Tips to Prevent Falling Victim to a Romance Scam
Remember this: Refrain from sending money or shipping gifts of any sorts to a partner you haven't met face-to-face. If you suspect a romance scam:
• Cease all and any form communication with the person or persons involved right away.
• Seek advice from a trusted companion or friend. Have your loved ones expressed worries about your new romantic interest?
• Look up the person's job online along with the term "scammer." Are there similar stories shared by others? For instance, search for “Nigerian prince”, “Inheritance scams”, "oil rig scammer", “UPI Fraud” or "US Army scammer."
• Conduct a reverse image search on the person's profile picture. You could use; Bing Visual Search, Goggle Images, Flickr, TinEye and more. Does it link to a different name or information that doesn't add up? These are red flags for a scam.
If you've fallen victim to a romance scam and made payment through a gift card, wire transfer, credit/debit card, or cryptocurrency, reach out to the company or your bank immediately. Inform them about the scam and request a refund.
In case you suspect a scam, make sure to report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Additionally, inform the social networking platform or app where you encountered the scammer.
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