There has been a popular scam gaining traction in the past few years involving members of the United States Armed Forces. During this time, many military members have discovered that someone has taken their photos and information to create fake social media accounts and online profiles. As a result of this, a Minnesota National Guardsman has been given the task of sifting through the Internet searching for fake profiles. According to Master Sergeant Blair Heusdens, criminals find easy targets by first gaining trust posing as romantic interests.
While experienced military members can easily spot fakes, unsuspecting victims—usually women—don’t have enough knowledge about how military affairs operate to become suspicious. Most of the scams originate overseas. Scammers search for military members on Facebook and other social media platforms in order to steal pictures and information. Then the anonymous users seek out vulnerable targets, such as older women. Once the mark has been identified, a scammer will make contact and begin an online relationship. After the grooming stage is complete, these criminals will spin sad stories claiming they need money because the military doesn’t provide funds for such things as housing, travel, and food.
One particular case I have knowledge of involves an older woman in the United States. A young soldier reached out to her claiming he was a widower stationed in London. Over a few weeks, the two began an online relationship. The “soldier” even sent photos of a young boy to the woman, supposedly the “soldier’s” son.
Then came the story of a sick uncle needing immediate medical attention and food. The woman subsequently sent roughly $4000 to a location in London for the individual. After eventually becoming suspicious, the woman began her own research online and found the real service member’s Facebook page. Her suspicions were confirmed when she alerted the soldier’s wife, who was horrified to learn a stranger was using photos of her husband and young son. As soon as the scammer was confronted, the fake profile disappeared.
The scams can be downright despicable in terms of victims that are targeted. Criminals often seek out disadvantaged women in places like the Philippines. Promising them a better life in the United States while they are posing as service members, scammers convince the women to send the little money they have. This can go on for years with devastating results. Many victims are unaware of important key things such as the fact that United States service members don’t require funds for medical care.
It’s important for the public to remain vigilant because no one knows who is behind these scams. The criminals manipulate public support for the military to prey on unsuspecting individuals. For every account that’s reported and taken down, 10 more pop up in its place. Holding scammers accountable is difficult because the majority are located in overseas locations.
According to Sgt. Heusdens, “I think it’s easy for us to say ‘Gosh, you have to be really dumb to fall for this.’ But they’re really good, these impersonators, and so people are falling for this. They are sending money.” He also points out that military members don’t need money for food, transportation, and medical care because these things are all provided by the military.
