Dating someone in the military can be both an exciting and unique experience.
Military men tend to be disciplined, goal-oriented, and hardworking, which are all very attractive traits.
However, it’s important to be careful when entering into a relationship with someone claiming to be in the military especially if you only met the person online and have never seen him in real life.
Unfortunately, there are many scammers who pose as military personnel to take advantage of unsuspecting singles.
They often use these fake identities and photos to gain the trust of their victims and then ask for money or other favors.
One common scam involves asking for money to help with an emergency.
For example, the scammer may claim that their unit is in a dangerous situation and they need money to buy supplies or equipment.
They may also ask for money to help them travel to see their loved ones or to pay for medical expenses.
These requests can be very convincing and often prey on the emotions of the victim.
To avoid falling for these scams, it’s important to ask the right questions to determine whether the person you’re interested in is real or a fraud.
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What Questions to Ask a Military Guy to See If He Is Real?
1. What is Their Military Occupational Specialty?
Each service member has a specific job, known as a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) in the Army and Marine Corps, an Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) in the Air Force, and a Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) in the Navy.
When talking to someone claiming to be in the military, ask them about their job responsibilities.
This information will not only give you insight into their day-to-day life but also help you figure out if they are actually in the military.
2. Can They Provide an Identification Number?
Every service member is issued a unique Department of Defense Identification Number, which serves as their identification throughout their military career.
They should be able to share this number with you, which can be used to verify their military status.
If they are unable to share this number, it may be a sign that they are lying about their military career.
3. Where Did They Attend Basic Training?
Each branch has specific locations for Basic Training, also known as Boot Camp or Basic Military Training.
Ask them where they attended Basic Training and about their experiences during this time.
If their story seems inconsistent or they are unable to provide any details about their experiences, it may be a red flag.
4. Have They Attended Any Specialized Training Schools?
Certain military occupations require service members to attend specialized training schools after completing Basic Training.
This additional training helps them develop the skills and knowledge needed for their specific job.
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5. What Awards or Medals Have They Received?
Military service members can earn various awards and medals for their achievements and performance during their service.
When speaking with someone who claims to be in the military, ask about any awards they have received.
Their answers should give you insight into their accomplishments and experiences in the military.
If they are unable to provide details or their claims seem exaggerated, it may be a red flag.
6. Can They Provide a Copy of Their DD-214?
A DD-214 is an official military discharge document containing information about a branch, rank, MOS, awards, and discharge status.
If the individual you are speaking with has been discharged from the military, they should be able to provide a copy of their DD-214 upon request.
This document can serve as further proof of their military service and help you verify the information they have shared.
7. Are They Currently on Active Duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard?
Ask the guy or girl you are chatting with about their current military status, whether they are on active duty, serving in the reserves, or a member of the National Guard.
Each of these statuses comes with different responsibilities and commitments, and understanding their current role can help you determine if they are genuinely serving in the military.
8. Can They Name Their Commanding Officer?
Ask them to provide the name of their commanding officer and any other relevant information about their chain of command.
If they are unable to provide this information, it may be a sign that they are not being honest about their military service.
9. What is Their Unit?
Each service member belongs to a specific unit or squadron, which carries out particular missions and tasks based on their branch and specialty.
When speaking with someone who claims to be in the military, ask about the unit or squadron they belong to and its overall mission.
Their ability to provide this information and explain their role within the unit can help you determine if they have a legitimate military background.
10. Can They Describe Their Daily Routine on Base?
Ask them to describe a typical day in their life while on base.
Their answers should include details about their job responsibilities, living conditions, and what they like to do for fun in their free time.
If their description seems inconsistent or they can’t give you any details, it may be a red flag.
11. Can They Provide References?
A legitimate service member should be able to provide contact information for colleagues who can vouch for their military service.
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Top Signs That Military Guy You Are Chatting With is Fake or Scammer
1. Their profile picture looks too perfect or is a stock image.
2. They have a limited social media presence and no friends.
3. They claim to be stationed in a top-secret location or have a high-ranking position.
4. They have poor grammar and language skills.
5. They avoid video calls or showing their face in photos.
6. They ask for money, claiming it’s for a special leave or to cover medical expenses.
7. They refuse to answer any questions about their military service or personal life.
8. They claim they are unable to access their bank accounts or need money for a secure phone line.
9. They ask for your mailing address to send you gifts or letters.
10. They have a tragic backstory that involves the death of a spouse or close family member.
11. Their stories are inconsistent and change over time.
12. They claim to need money to cover the cost of a flight home or other forms of transportation.
13. They use the wrong military jargon or have no knowledge of military terminology.
14. They ask for personal information such as your social security number or bank account details.
15. They claim to be a widower with a young child who needs financial support.
16. They are always unavailable to meet in person or have a mysterious reason for canceling plans.
17. They claim to be deployed overseas but have a domestic phone number.
18. They pressure you to send explicit photos or engage in explicit conversations.
19. They ask you to send packages or letters to a different name or address.
20. They use a fake military ID or provide fake documents to prove their identity.
21. They claim their internet connection is limited and rely on messaging apps that are difficult to trace.
22. They ask for gift cards or prepaid cards instead of cash.
23. They claim they will repay you once they return home.
24. They become defensive or angry if you question their authenticity.
25. They use high-pressure tactics to get you to send money quickly.
26. They tell you that sharing their situation with others is a breach of military security.
27. They claim to have been injured in combat and need money for medical treatment.
28. They claim to be in a special military unit that requires additional financial support.
By asking the questions we discussed today and looking at some common scamming signs, you can gain a better idea of whether the military guy you’re talking to is real or not.
Remember to trust your instincts and look for any inconsistencies in their answers.
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always better to be cautious and take steps to protect yourself from getting scammed.
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