Protect yourself and loved ones from military romance scams

Imagine you receive a Facebook request from a good-looking stranger. You begin to chat, and the conversation flows. It feels like you’ve known each other forever. They’re in the military and searching for an honest partner that can stick it with them through thick and thin. Straight from a romance novel, right?

Unfortunately, this is also the script of many scammers impersonating military service members online. They lure people looking for love and gain their trust to scam them out of their money. Some have come forward with their stories, alerting their communities to be on the lookout.

Here’s what you need to know.

How military romance scams work

Scammers pretending to be military personnel often target victims on popular platforms like dating apps, social media, and even email. They use stolen photos, typically of real soldiers, and weave elaborate stories of love, hardship, or danger to gain sympathy and trust.

Their goal? To build a false connection and exploit it for financial gain. Common stories involve being stuck in a war zone, needing money for medical emergencies, or requesting funds to return home. These scams are particularly effective because they leverage respect and admiration for the military.

5 Common tactics used in military romance scams

Scammers use a variety of tactics to make their stories seem authentic. Here are some warning signs to look out for:

1. Quick declarations of love

Scammers often rush the relationship, professing deep love within days or weeks of initial contact. This tactic creates a false sense of intimacy and trust.

2. Fake military photos and stories

Using images of real military personnel — often stolen from public profiles — scammers build credibility. They may share details about fictitious missions or deployments to enhance their persona.

3. Requests for money

These typically involve pleas for funds to cover “emergencies,” such as medical expenses, travel fees to visit the victim, or even the cost of discharging from the military. They will do the most to get their hands on their target’s money.

4. Complicated excuses

Scammers often have reasons for why they can’t meet in person, such as being deployed overseas or having restricted internet access due to military duties.

5. Overly dramatic stories

They put telenovelas to shame, sharing exaggerated accounts of danger or hardship to play on your emotions and gain your sympathy.

How to avoid military romance scams

Protecting yourself starts with recognizing the warning signs. Follow these steps to safeguard your heart and wallet:

Verify identities

Ask for verifiable details and double-check their information. Military personnel often have official channels for communication. Also, use trusted tools to verify their claims. Many scammers avoid video calls or other forms of real-time communication.

Don’t send money

Genuine military personnel do not ask strangers for money. Any such request should raise a red flag.

Limit personal information online

Avoid oversharing on social media, as scammers may use these details to tailor their stories. So, take a moment to revise your privacy settings.

Trust your instincts

If something feels off, it probably is. Stay alert to inconsistencies or overly dramatic stories.

Report suspicious activity

Notify online platforms, law enforcement, or organizations like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if you encounter a scammer.

Use anti-scam tools

Tools like Norton Genie, our free scam detector, can help you review suspicious messages for potential red flags.

Protect your heart and wallet from scammers

Scammers thrive on the emotions of their victims, but with the right knowledge, you can guard yourself and your loved ones. Stay cautious, verify identities, and never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. Remember, no genuine connection should come at the cost of your financial security.