How to Recognize Scammers Pretending to Be US Military Personalities

If you encounter someone claiming to be a US military member and asking for money, asking for gift cards, or personal information, chances are you are dealing with a scammer. Real US military personnel do not seek such interactions online.

Scam Identification: Email Addresses and Communication

A genuine US military email address will always end with .mil. If the email address does not end with this domain, it is likely a phishing attempt. Freemail providers like @, @, or @ are frequently used in scammers' attempts to deceive.

Verification Through Contact Information

To further verify their authenticity, ask for their mailing address. Deployed military members typically have addresses associated with places like APO (Army Post Office), NPO (Navy Post Office), or AFPO (Air Force Post Office). If the address does not match these formats, it is probably fraudulent. Additionally, ask for their unit name and the name of their commanding officer. You can then cross-check this information with official military databases to verify its accuracy.

Official Actions and Fees: A Major Red Flag

The U.S. military does not charge for official actions such as leave, passes, or transfers. If a military member claims to need money for these or any other official actions, it is almost certainly a scam. U.S. military personnel must not be required to pay fees for official transactions or documentation.

Ray’s Personal Experience and Warnings

With military experience dating back to the Vietnam era, I have encountered numerous fake profiles for high-ranking officers such as admirals, four-star generals, captains, and military doctors. These scammers impersonate real military personalities to exploit others. This is not a new phenomenon but one that continues to occur.

To counteract these scams, I recommend investigating the legitimacy of online profiles against official military resources. Tools and resources exist to track down impostors and educate others about these deceptive practices.

General Advice: Always Be Wary Online

Whether you have military background or not, it is crucial to be cautious when meeting strangers online. Scammers can use stolen or hacked credentials to deceive and harm you. Never assume someone you meet online is who they say they are, and never provide personal or financial information to anyone who claims to be a military personality.

Remember: Every person who contacts you online is a potential scammer. Be vigilant and take steps to verify their identity before engaging in any conversation or transaction. There is no legitimate need to find love or friendship through unverified online interactions.

Additional Resources

Visit MilitaryOneSource for more information on online safety and authentic military resources. Search for articles like "Paul Lecamera - scam" to learn more about specific military impersonation scams. Consult official military channels and resources to verify the authenticity of any individual claiming to be a US military member.

By being informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from those who seek to exploit the trust and goodwill of military personnel and civilians alike.