THE FRAUD CODEXSCAM DETECTION
HIGH RISK

Military Romance Scam

Scammers pose as deployed military service members, using stolen photos and stories to build romantic relationships and request money.

Losses: Part of $1.1 billion in romance fraud (2024)
Targets: Women 40-70, military supporters, patriotic individuals
Updated: 2026-01-06
Also known as: Soldier Scam • Deployed Military Scam • Army Romance Scam

1How It 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

How Scammers Make Contact

Dating appsFacebookInstagramEmail

2Warning Signs & Red Flags

  • 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

3Real-World Example

"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

4How to Protect Yourself

  • Reverse image search their photos
  • Know that military members CAN video chat from deployment
  • Military personnel don't pay for leave or meals
  • Verify military service through official channels if serious
  • Never send money to someone you haven't met
  • Ask detailed questions about their service
  • Military members don't need money wired for any reason

5What To Do If You're a Victim

  1. 1Stop all contact immediately
  2. 2Report the fake profile to the social media or dating platform
  3. 3If you have their photos, report the impersonation to the Army CID
  4. 4Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  5. 5Report to FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
  6. 6Connect with support groups for romance scam victims

Report This Scam

FTC Report Fraud FBI IC3 Identity Theft

?Frequently Asked Questions

What is Military Romance Scam?

Scammers pose as deployed military service members, using stolen photos and stories to build romantic relationships and request money. 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 restr...

How common is this type of scam?

Military Romance Scam is classified as a high risk threat. Reported losses: Part of $1.1 billion in romance fraud (2024). This primarily targets Women 40-70, military supporters, patriotic individuals.

Can I get my money back?

Recovery depends on how you paid. Credit card payments may be reversed through chargebacks. Wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.

How do I report this?

Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, file with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov. Also contact your local police and your bank.

Sources & References

Army CID: Romance ScamsFTC: Military Romance Scams

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