Romance Scams
Military Romance Scam
Scammers pose as deployed military service members, using stolen photos and stories to build romantic relationships and request money.
Reported Losses
Part of $1.1 billion in romance fraud (2024)
Primary Targets
Women 40-70, military supporters, patriotic individuals
Last Updated
2026-01-06
Also Known As
Soldier Scam
How Scammers Contact You
How This Scam Works
Scammers pose as military members deployed overseas, using stolen photos of real service members.
**The story:** - U.S. soldier deployed to Syria, Afghanistan, or on a peacekeeping mission - Widowed with children back home - Looking for love and a new start - Can't visit because of deployment restrictions
**The requests:** - Money for satellite phone or internet to stay in touch - "Leave papers" fees to come visit you - Medical expenses not covered by military - Shipping costs for personal belongings - Investment opportunity while overseas
Red Flags to Watch For
- ⚠️Claims to be deployed soldier who can't video chat or meet
- ⚠️Found you on social media, not a dating site
- ⚠️Military email address looks unofficial
- ⚠️Asks for money for communication, leave, or travel
- ⚠️Says military won't pay for certain things (leave, medical)
- ⚠️Photos look professional or like official military portraits
- ⚠️Rank, unit, or mission details don't add up
📝 Real Victim Account
"He said he was an Army captain deployed to Syria. We talked every day for six months. He sent photos, we had deep conversations about his late wife and kids. He needed $5,000 for leave papers to come meet me, then $8,000 for satellite phone bills, then $20,000 for medical fees. I sent it all. When I finally searched his photos, I found the real soldier on Instagram — he had no idea his pictures were being used."
— Army CID Romance Scam Alert
How to Protect Yourself
- 1Reverse image search their photos
- 2Know that military members CAN video chat from deployment
- 3Military personnel don't pay for leave or meals
- 4Verify military service through official channels if serious
- 5Never send money to someone you haven't met
- 6Ask detailed questions about their service
- 7Military members don't need money wired for any reason
🆘 What to Do If You're a Victim
- 1Stop all contact immediately
- 2Report the fake profile to the social media or dating platform
- 3If you have their photos, report the impersonation to the Army CID
- 4Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- 5Report to FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
- 6Connect with support groups for romance scam victims
🔗 Related Scams
📚 Sources & References
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