Internet dating safety is something that many people take for granted. Here’s yet another article that highlights how many people just aren’t taking this issue to seriously.
The US Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) has issued a warning to anyone involved in online dating to “proceed with caution when corresponding with persons claiming to be U.S. Soldiers currently serving in Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere.
The CID is claiming to received “hundreds” of allegations per month from victim claiming they began on online relationship either through dating sites or social networking sites claiming to be United States soldiers stationed abroad. After some point in the relationship the soldier begins asking for money for a variety of reasons. It could be for transportation costs, medical fees, internet “cafe” costs or to help their children or to start a new business so they have a livelihood upon their return to civilian life.
The US Army CID is telling singles to “don’t ever send money” to someone they haven’t met before. For your own internet dating safety be suspicious if you are asked for any money.
Do the smart thing and if you are starting an online relationship with a person claiming to be a soldier to ensure you protect your internet dating safety. Make it a point to check them out and make sure they are who they’re claiming to be. Many of these scammers will take the identity of a soldier who has recently died. It’s quite simple to fake a profile; they will download a few pictures of random soldiers from the internet and use them as needed.
One last thing, be very suspicious if you’ve never spoken to the person either over the phone or via the computer with services such as Skype. It never hurts to send them a letter in the mail just to confirm they are who they say they are. All servicemen or servicewomen overseas will have an AP or FPO mailing address. Send them a card and then simply ask them if they received it. Don’t tell them what you sent; make them describe to you what they received.
Your internet dating safety is not something you should take for granted. Please read our Internet Dating Tips to hear some of our internet dating safety advice.
