● HIGH RISK

Military Romance Scam

A romance scam in a uniform: the scammer claims to be a deployed service member, leans on stolen photos and a patriotic backstory, and uses "deployment" to explain why you can never meet or video chat. The military does not need your money to bring someone home on leave.

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

How 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

Warning 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

Real-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

How 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

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

Report This Scam

FTC Report Fraud FBI IC3 Identity Theft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Military Romance Scam?

What are the warning signs of Military Romance Scam?

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).

How do I protect myself from Military Romance Scam?

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.

What should I do if I'm a victim of Military Romance Scam?

Stop all contact immediately. Report the fake profile to the social media or dating platform. If you have their photos, report the impersonation to the Army CID. Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

How serious is this threat?

We rate this high risk. Reported losses: Part of $1.1 billion in romance fraud (2024). Most exposed: 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, while wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.

How do I report Military Romance Scam?

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

Sources & References

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