TL;DR: Deployments create long-distance relationships that scammers can exploit for money. Verify charities independently before donating, be cautious of new online relationships that quickly ask for money, and get moving-company quotes and reviews in writing before a move.
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Deployments create long-distance relationships that scammers can exploit for money.
Common Tactics Used
Romance scams targeting spouses of deployed service members, fake charities claiming to support troops, and moving-company scams that hold household goods hostage during a PCS are all recurring patterns.
How to Protect Against It
Verify charities independently before donating, be cautious of new online relationships that quickly ask for money, and get moving-company quotes and reviews in writing before a move.
What Family and Friends Can Do
Sudden secrecy about money, unusual withdrawals, or a new online relationship that stays undisclosed are all worth a calm, judgment-free conversation. The earlier a scam is caught, the more can usually be recovered.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading Scams Targeting New Immigrants.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see Scams Targeting New Parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are they specifically targeted?
Deployments create long-distance relationships that scammers can exploit for money.
What tactics do scammers use?
Romance scams targeting spouses of deployed service members, fake charities claiming to support troops, and moving-company scams that hold household goods hostage during a PCS are all recurring patterns.
How can they protect themselves?
Verify charities independently before donating, be cautious of new online relationships that quickly ask for money, and get moving-company quotes and reviews in writing before a move.
What should family or friends watch for?
Sudden secrecy about money or new online relationships, unusual withdrawals or wire transfers, and reluctance to discuss a new "opportunity" or contact in detail are all worth a gentle, non-judgmental conversation.
What should I do if I think this has already happened?
Stop all contact and payments immediately, report it to the appropriate authority, and contact the bank or payment provider involved to see what can be recovered.