The Military Scam
A common romance scam involves someone claiming to be a member of the U.S. military deployed overseas. The scammer uses stolen photos of a service member in uniform and builds a story around being stationed in a remote location. This scenario conveniently explains why they cannot meet in person or do video calls, and it creates a sense of urgency and sympathy.
The military scam typically follows a pattern: after establishing a relationship, the scammer claims they need money for a flight home, for emergency leave paperwork, or for a communication device. They may say their military pay is delayed or their bank account is frozen. The U.S. military provides for service members' needs; a deployed service member does not need to ask a civilian for money.
Warning
No legitimate member of the U.S. military will ask a stranger on the internet for money. If someone claiming to be in the military asks for financial help, it is a scam.
The Medical Emergency Scam
In this scam, the fraudster claims that they or a close family member has experienced a sudden medical emergency and needs money for treatment. The story creates urgency and appeals to your compassion. They may claim to be in a foreign country where medical care is expensive, or say that their insurance will not cover the procedure.
The scammer will often pressure you to act quickly, saying that delaying could mean someone dies or suffers permanent harm. This pressure is intentional; it prevents you from thinking critically or consulting with others. Slow down, ask questions, and do not send money to someone you have not met in person.
The Inheritance Scam
In this variation, the scammer claims to have a large inheritance that is tied up in legal or bureaucratic issues. They may say they need money to pay for legal fees, taxes, or transfer costs to access the funds. Once the inheritance is released, they promise, they will share it with you or use it to start a life together.
This scam preys on the fantasy of a future together. The scammer builds a vision of a shared life funded by this imaginary windfall, making the request for money seem like a temporary hurdle rather than a theft. There is no inheritance. There is no legal issue. It is a fabrication designed to extract money from you.
The Investment Scam
Some scammers take a different approach: instead of asking for money directly, they introduce you to a "great investment opportunity." They may claim to have insider knowledge about cryptocurrency, real estate, or a business venture. They build trust by appearing knowledgeable and successful, then encourage you to invest your money through a platform they recommend.
The investment platform is fake, controlled by the scammer or their associates. Once you transfer money, it is gone. The scammer may even show you fake returns to convince you to invest more before disappearing with everything you have sent. Be extremely cautious about any investment advice from someone you met on a dating site.
How to Protect Yourself
- Never send money to someone you have not met in person. This is the single most important rule.
- Do a reverse image search. Use tools like Google Images to check if someone's photos appear elsewhere on the internet under a different name. Scammers often reuse the same stolen photos across multiple fake profiles.
- Ask for a video call. A scammer who refuses to video chat, or whose video is always mysteriously not working, is a major red flag.
- Talk to someone you trust. If you are unsure about a situation, describe it to a friend or family member. An outside perspective can help you see red flags you might be missing.
- Report suspicious profiles. Help protect others by reporting scammers to the dating platform.
For more safety guidance, see our article on online dating safety for seniors.