[OpsLens] 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.
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BTW, who establishes the definition of..... "scams?"