Romance / Military Scam

Fake online dating profiles — often claiming to be deployed military, offshore oil workers, or traveling doctors — build a relationship over weeks before creating a financial crisis requiring money.

A scammer builds a fake dating or social media profile, often using photos stolen from a real service member, doctor, or engineer, and reaches out with flattering, attentive messages that quickly escalate into a whirlwind long-distance romance. Because the persona is "deployed overseas," "on an oil rig," or "on a humanitarian mission," they always have a built-in excuse for never video calling or meeting in person, and after weeks or months of relationship-building they introduce a sudden financial emergency and ask the victim to wire money or buy gift cards.

• The relationship moves to declarations of love very quickly despite never meeting in person.
• Consistent excuses to avoid video calls or in-person meetings.
• A sudden financial emergency requiring money to be wired or sent via gift cards.
• Profile photos are professionally lit, model-like, or reused across other profiles.

• Never send money to someone you have not met in person.
• Do a reverse image search on their profile photos — they are often stolen.
• Be suspicious of anyone who refuses to video chat or always cancels.
• Deployed US military personnel have access to military banking and don't need money wired.