Internet Scams Target US Military
Posted: Tuesday, April 27, 2010
by Walter Rhett
Charleston Perlo
American military personnel at home and around the world face pressures and conflicts beyond the battle front, but many of these daily clashes go unnoticed. The latest silent enemy takes the form of internet scams. Last year (2009), internet crime more than doubled, rising to $559.7 million from $264.6 million the year before. The military has identified two forms which are often used to lure vulnerable soldiers.
The main confidence game being used to exploit uniformed service members involves criminals pretending to be American service members stationed across the world who make contact with real personnel via email, internet chat rooms, discussion boards, or social networks and dating sites. They develop a relationship and feign a growing emotional or romantic interest in the service member. Highly skilled, these scam artists gain the confidence of the service member by showering them with attention, being good listeners, and being supportive and sympathetic to their concerns. They use fake photos and bios and personal descriptions. But sooner or later, these criminals "reach out" in the form of a monetary request, perhaps help to buy a new computer or cell phone, or to repair an older one or add a service, or requests for funds for travel (personal or family) or medical assistance. Military policy restrictions are often cited as a reason for the request; claims are made that the scammer is not allowed to access his or her bank account, or their pay was held up. Women and men in the uniformed services are often the targets of these scams, elaborate ruses build on fictitious rank and identity, and fraudulent reasons for requests of money or property, often shipped to third parties.
Low Price Scams
A new scam is the "low-priced vehicle for sale." Here's how it works: An outstanding car is offered at a low price. The seller offers a convincing reason why the car is being sold cheaply. Often cited reasons: leaving for duty in Afghanistan, a recent divorce, disposing of a relative's estate that contained the car.
But, before car can be shipped, money must be sent to the buyer. Then the seller and--the car--disappear.
Be vigilant about any internet contact that requests money. Avoid being ripped off.
Thanks for reading! /wr
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Photo: British infantry solider. (Fair use)
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