Detecting Military Dishonesty and Romance Scams: A Guide for the Internet-Savvy

Verifying the authenticity of someone who claims to be a military veteran or a service member is not an easy task. Individuals who are not familiar with the military may fall victim to dishonest claims, especially when these claims serve a nefarious purpose. This article provides guidance on how to verify the claims of military service and combat potential romance scams.

The Importance of Verification

It is crucial to verify claims made by individuals regarding their military service, as these claims can be misused for fraudulent purposes. Only those with actual knowledge or firsthand experience can effectively identify dishonest claims. The ease with which someone can make such claims highlights the necessity of being vigilant and thorough in seeking verification.

Telling the Difference: Questions for Verification

The author of this article suggests two simple questions to determine if someone is a genuine veteran:
1. What unit were you in?
2. What was your MOS (Military Occupational Specialty)?
These questions can provide insight into the individual's level of military knowledge and experience.

The First Question: Unit Identification

Unit identities are not secret, and most veterans are proud to mention their unit affiliations. For example, they may proudly name the "Big Red One," 1st Infantry or "Old Ironside," 1st Armored Division. Veterans with multiple tours typically recall the order in which they served in various units. Non-veterans, on the other hand, may either be incorrect or vague when providing unit details, providing nonsensical information, or claiming to be in a 'secret' unit.

The Second Question: MOS Knowledge

A genuine veteran will immediately provide a designation consisting of letters and numbers for the Army or just numbers. The author offers examples such as 11B for Infantry and 91B for Medic. Non-veterans rarely know these designations and may respond by saying they have forgotten or provide vague answers.

The Phantom of Romance Scams

Romance scams are a prevalent form of online deception, particularly targeting the vulnerable and lonely, especially individuals who are single or widowed. These criminals use stolen credentials to create convincing profiles, making it easy to gain trust and obtain financial information.

Indicators of Romance Scams

Often, these scammers will comment on a user's Facebook page, posing as a high-ranking military officer, such as a General or Admiral. Their comments are typically unsolicited, highly complimentary, and accompanied by a profile picture that does not necessarily match the individual in the comment. A quick review of their profile usually reveals a fabricated story with photos that are often stolen from other accounts.

The Scale of the Issue

The numbers associated with romance scams are staggering. According to the provided data, there are approximately 45,000 four-star generals and admirals currently serving in the United States armed forces. This number is far too high to be genuine, suggesting that the claims are likely fictitious. The scammers rely on the overwhelming response generated from a vast number of active social media profiles, targeting the lonely and vulnerable in society.

Conclusion

Verifying claims of military service is crucial to preventing deception and protecting oneself from potential scams. Asking specific questions about unit identity and MOS can help distinguish between genuine veterans and those making false claims. Romance scams, often involving stolen credentials and fabricated tales, pose a significant threat to the lonely and vulnerable. By staying informed and vigilant, individuals can better protect themselves from both military dishonesty and online fraud.