Dear Ms. Vicki,
I met a soldier online just over five months ago. Although it is just a friendship, not a romance, I am now very concerned.
Initially, he asked me to fund various things, but I am not in a position to send money. He graciously accepted that.
However, now I am in a predicament. He asked if the "DOF" could transfer some of his funds into my account on his behalf and then I would wire the money via Western Union to a supposed military something here in the USA for him to collect.
Last night, two separate transfers did come into my account for large amounts. My bank placed a hold on the funds for at least 14 days to verify that they are in fact available for use.
How am I to verify that these funds are those of the soldier I am in communication with? What is the DOF? Is this legal?
I am now terrified that something isn't legitimate and of what might happen if I draw these funds to send to Western Union.
The DOF also wanted my online log-in information and my security question answers in order to see my account and that the funds were deposited.
Now they have me very vulnerable. I changed the password and security questions. Immediately after that, the soldier contacted me and asked me why I changed them. What am I to do? Have you heard of a similar scam being done?
-- Seriously Worried
Dear Worried,
You are right to be very worried. These people are scammers, and I am afraid for you. You are potentially in some serious trouble.
The Army Criminal Investigation Command receives hundreds of reports every month from people just like you who have been scammed by someone posing as an American service member.
Some of the details of your letter are exactly the markers that the Army warns people to watch for:
1. Requests for money for anything -- including a marriage license, travel expenses, cell phone costs, medical fees.
2. Use of Western Union.
3. No APO or FPO address.
4. Misspellings or use of incorrect or incomplete acronyms.
So please get in contact with your bank immediately and ask it to help you make the necessary changes.
Also, you need to report this event to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
If you lose money due to this transaction, report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report helps law enforcement officials across the United States in their investigations. You can contact them online, by phone at 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) or TTY 1-866-653-4261, or by mail: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580.
Most of all, do not have any more contact with this person. Please keep in touch and let me know what happens.
-- Ms. Vicki
Keep Up with the Ins and Outs of Military Life
For the latest military news and tips on military family benefits and more, subscribe to Military.com and have the information you need delivered directly to your inbox.
