The person says they are in the army and posted where they cannot meet. Is it a scam?
Very often, yes. Posing as an army, navy or paramilitary officer is one of the most used stories in romance and marketplace scams in India, because it explains the uniform photos, the secrecy, the odd hours and the inability to meet. A real soldier does not need you to pay for leave, a transfer or a ticket.
The photos are usually taken from a real officer's social media. The person may send an ID card photo, a "posting order" or a canteen card to build trust – these are easy to fake. The money request comes as a fee for leave, a blocked salary account, or a gift sent through a courier that is "held at customs".
How to check
- Do a reverse image search of the uniform photos: they often belong to a different, real officer.
- Ask for a video call. Being posted somewhere does not stop a short call.
- Never pay for leave, a transfer, a ticket, customs duty or a courier fee – no armed force asks family or friends to pay for these.
- Look at the ID card photo for signs of forgery, and remember that even a real-looking card can be stolen or edited.
- Check the number: a virtual number or a foreign country code does not fit an officer posted in India.
Frequently asked questions
- The person sent a photo of their army ID card. Does that prove it?
- No. Scammers share stolen or edited ID photos all the time. Veritaza's check 7 looks for signs of forgery, but we never say an ID card is genuine.
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