Romance scams have become one of the most devastating forms of fraud, with losses reaching $1.3 billion in 2022 according to the FTC. Among these heartbreaking schemes, military romance scams hold a particularly painful place, exploiting both our respect for service members and our desire for meaningful connections.
If you’re wondering whether that charming soldier who contacted you online is genuine, you’re not alone. These scams are unfortunately common, and recognizing the warning signs could save you both emotional pain and significant financial loss.
What Are Military Romance Scams?
Military romance scams follow the same basic pattern as other romance scams, but with a military twist that makes them particularly convincing. Scammers create fake profiles using stolen photos of real military personnel, then reach out to potential victims on dating sites or social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
These criminals prey on our natural respect for military service members and the understanding that deployment can make traditional dating difficult. They craft elaborate stories about overseas deployments, upcoming leave, or military missions to explain why they can’t meet in person or why they need financial assistance.
How Military Romance Scams on Facebook and Instagram Work
The Initial Contact
Military romance scams on Facebook and Instagram often begin with a friend request or direct message from someone claiming to be deployed overseas. The scammer’s profile typically features photos of an attractive person in military uniform, often stolen from real service members’ social media accounts.
Building the Relationship
Like other sophisticated scams, these fraudsters invest time in building trust. They may spend weeks or months getting to know you, sharing fabricated personal stories, and expressing romantic interest. They often claim to be widowed with children, stationed far from home, or about to retire from military service.
The Financial Hook
Eventually, the scammer will create a crisis requiring immediate financial assistance. Common scenarios include:
- Needing money for a “leave request” to visit you
- Emergency medical expenses during deployment
- Funds for food or basic necessities
- Money to ship a care package
- Investment opportunities in cryptocurrency or other ventures
One recent variation involves scammers claiming to be U.S. troops deployed to Ukraine, where there is actually no U.S. military presence, asking victims to send care packages through fake military websites.
Red Flags: Signs You’re Dealing with a Military Romance Scam
Communication Patterns
- They quickly want to move conversations off the dating platform to text, email, or messaging apps.
- They profess love unusually quickly.
- Their messages contain grammatical errors or odd phrasing that doesn’t match their claimed education level.
- They’re always available to chat, regardless of supposed military duties or time zone differences.
Personal Details Don’t Add Up
- They can’t provide specific details about their base, unit or military role.
- Their stories about military life contain inaccuracies.
- They claim to need money for things the military actually provides free (food, medical care, communication with family).
- They can’t video chat, or their video doesn’t match their photos.
Financial Requests to Watch For
- Any request for money, especially through gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps or cryptocurrency
- Claims about needing funds for military paperwork, leave requests or travel
- Requests for personal financial information or access to your accounts
- Investment opportunities that sound too good to be true
How to Report Military Romance Scams
If you suspect you’re dealing with a military romance scam, taking quick action is crucial.
Immediate Steps
- Stop all communication with the suspected scammer immediately.
- Don’t send any money or provide personal financial information.
- Save all evidence including messages, photos and any financial records.
- Report to the platform where you met them (Facebook, Instagram, dating site).
Official Reporting Channels
- Federal Trade Commission: Report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: File a report at IC3.gov
- Your local law enforcement agency
- Your state attorney general’s office
If you’ve already sent money, contact your bank or financial institution immediately to report the fraud and explore options for recovering your funds.
Protecting Yourself from Military Romance Scams
Before Engaging Online
- Keep your social media profiles private and avoid oversharing personal information.
- Be especially cautious about posting details about recent life changes, loneliness or financial status.
- Use reverse image searches to verify profile photos.
- Research their claimed military background for inconsistencies.
During Online Relationships
- Never send money, gift cards or personal financial information to someone you’ve met online.
- Ask specific questions about their military service that only a real service member would know.
- Insist on video calls at random times.
- Discuss the relationship with trusted friends or family members who can provide perspective.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off about an online relationship, trust that instinct. Legitimate military personnel don’t need civilians to send money for basic necessities, leave requests or emergency travel.
Beyond Romance Scams: Other Threats to Watch For
Military romance scams are just one type of sophisticated fraud targeting consumers today. At Community Point Bank, we’ve seen how scammers adapt their tactics, from traditional phishing attempts to cutting-edge AI-powered voice cloning scams. Staying informed about various scam types helps you recognize threats across different contexts.
Moving Forward After a Scam
If you’ve fallen victim to a military romance scam, remember that you’re not alone and it’s not your fault. These criminals are skilled manipulators who exploit genuine human emotions. Focus on reporting the crime, protecting your remaining assets and seeking support from friends, family or professional counselors if needed.
Your financial institution can be a valuable ally in both preventing and recovering from fraud. At Community Point Bank, we take your security seriously and work diligently to monitor suspicious activity and protect your accounts from fraudulent transactions.
Don’t let the fear of scams prevent you from finding genuine connections or reaching your financial goals. By staying informed, trusting your instincts, and maintaining healthy skepticism about online relationships that seem too good to be true, you can protect both your heart and your wallet.If you’re ready to bank with an institution that prioritizes your financial safety and security, visit a Community Point Bank location today. We’re here to help you navigate the complex world of modern finance while keeping your money safe from scammers.
