How to Spot a Real Military Serviceman without Paying

With the rise of online interactions, it's important to discern between genuine military personnel and scammers asking for personal or financial favors. Here, we outline practical and insightful steps to help you tell the difference.

1. Does It Make Sense?

The first and most crucial question is "Does this make sense?" Consider the details provided by the person claiming to be a soldier. U.S. military forces are not typically involved in U.N. peacekeeping missions, especially in areas like Syria. They are deployed to high-risk locations where their safety and operational capabilities take precedence over personal interests.

Furthermore, military personnel work long, demanding hours. They are occupied with their duties and may not have time to pursue online relationships. If the story doesn't align with these facts, it's likely a scam.

2. Where Are They Really?

Another critical aspect to verify is the base or location claim. Military bases or operational sites have standard, non-classified names, and there should be a cover story for where they are deployed. If the location is vague or involves a country not known for military presence, it's a red flag.

Moreover, if the person says they are contacting you from an unclassified location but through a smartphone, this can be suspicious. Soldiers typically use on-base Wi-Fi and specific communication protocols. A Nigerian phone number or a foreign-based contact method is highly unusual for legitimate military personnel.

3. Video and Audio Calls

To further validate, ask if they can arrange a video or audio call. Legitimate soldiers know how to set up video calls using base resources or designated areas like MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) tents. Scammers will often claim they can’t due to safety concerns, but if they can, the calls may be arranged by them, not the setup of the service.

During video calls, look for natural lip movements. Scammers often use virtual webcams to crop out their body and only show their face. If the video is static and the audio is clear, but no lip movements are visible, this could indicate fraudulent activity.

Avoid calls that seem suspicious, such as those arranged out of the blue. They might also use stolen video footage from real soldiers, which can be easily detected when compared to genuine live video.

4. Audio Chats and Satellite Phones

For audio calls, consider the availability of cell phones. Most soldiers in the field do not carry them due to cost and operational constraints. They rely on radios and satellite phones. A non-military local number, especially with signs of a foreign accent, is a strong indicator of a scammer.

Beware of statements about needing to pay for early return or customs issues. The U.S. military handles all movement and logistics for service members, and their financial needs are met by the armed forces.

Conclusion

Detecting a genuine military person involves asking critical questions and verifying their story. While no method is 100% foolproof, using these steps can significantly reduce the risk of falling for a scam. Always proceed with caution and trust your instincts if something seems off.