The Army Criminal Investigation Division Command (CIDC) is working to crack an Internet scam, which involves persons pretending to be service members in search of romantic interests. “The criminals are pretending to be U.S. servicemen, routinely serving in Iraq or Afghanistan,” a March 23 announcement by CIDC stated. The rip-off artists will frequently use the photo of a real service member, build a false identity using a phony name, and then search the Internet for victims. They attempt to extract money from victims through bogus schemes, such as seeking donations to buy laptop computers or airfares for deployed “love interests.” So far, CIDC reports that soldiers have not been victims of theft of anything but their identification. CIDC urges persons who are approached to start an online relationship with a service member to be very careful – particularly when such communications involve a request for money. “Servicemen and women serving overseas will often have an APO or FPO mailing address,” CIDC advises. “Internet or not, service members always appreciate a letter in the mail.” To report a suspected Internet crime, contact the Federal Trade Commission at (877) ID-THEFT (438-4338) or on the Web at www.ftc.gov/idtheft. Service members can contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov/default.aspx. Soldiers can also contact CIDC at www.cid.army.mil.
