How to Spot and Prevent Military Romance Scams
Online scams targeting service members and their families have become increasingly prevalent, with one of the most notorious being the military romance scam. These scams often involve individuals attempting to deceive would-be partners about their military affiliations and deployments. In this article, we will discuss how to identify potential scammers, the prevalent scams, and steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
The 82nd Airborne Division and Sudan
Many individuals search for information about the current deployment status of military units. For instance, someone might ask, 'How can I find out if the Army 82nd Airborne is in Sudan right now?' The straightforward answer is that the 82nd Airborne is not deployed to Sudan at present. This division, also known as the 'Screaming Eagles,' is part of the U.S. Army's Rapid Deployable Forces.
This division has around 15,000 troops and is deployed based on specific mission requirements. Moreover, U.S. involvement in Sudan is minimal, with only a few hundred troops generally deployed. Therefore, the 82nd Airborne is too large a force for such a specific deployment.
Identifying Scammers and Their Tactics
Scammers targeting individuals with a military background will often fabricate stories or claim to be in specific deployments. In many cases, these individuals may contact you via social media or online messaging apps, posing as soldiers or other military personnel.
Common Military Romance Scams
1. Promised Deployment in Non-Deployed Areas: As mentioned earlier, claiming to be deployed in Sudan when there are no troops there is a red flag. Similarly, scammers often claim to be in Iraq or Syria, which currently do not have active military engagements.
2. Requests for Money or Services: Scammers may attempt to trick you into sending money, opening bank accounts, or providing personal information. Legitimate service members are not allowed to solicit money or any other form of assistance from strangers online.
3. Sob Stories and Emotional Manipulation: Scammers often use emotional manipulation through sob stories, such as claims of injury or needing money to return home. Always be skeptical of such stories and avoid making financial decisions based on online interactions.
Recognizing and Escaping Scams
1. Verify Deployment Status: If someone claims to be in a specific deployment, look up the unit's current status on government websites or military news outlets to verify. The U.S. Department of Defense and other branches provide updates on active deployments.
2. Look for Red Flags: Be cautious of messages that ask for money, provide personal information, or encourage you to engage in any suspicious activities. Legitimate military personnel do not ask for such information.
3. Contact Military Authorities: If you suspect someone is a scambler, report them to your military unit or local law enforcement. You can also report the profile as fraudulent on the platform where you encountered them.
Preventing Future Scams
1. Educate Yourself: Learn about common military romance scams and their tactics. This knowledge can help you stay vigilant and avoid falling victim to such scams.
2. Stay Connected: Use social media and online platforms cautiously. Be cautious of anyone who seems too eager to engage in intimacy or financial transactions before getting to know you.
3. Seek Help: If you lose money or feel betrayed, consider reporting the incident to local law enforcement and reaching out to organizations that help victims of online scams.
Conclusion
Online deception targeting service members and their families is a serious issue. By staying informed, verifying deployment status, and being aware of common tactics, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to military romance scams. Always be cautious and never send money to someone you have only met online. For more information, conduct a Google search for 'military romance scams' or 'internet safety.'