Fake Names of U.S. Army in Syria and Yemen: How Scammers Exploit Military Deployments

By: Svenja Meismann, Member of the Board of Directors, World Association of Detectives

Fraudsters, often operating from African countries, impersonate U.S. soldiers supposedly stationed in conflict zones like Syria, Yemen, Iraq, and Afghanistan. They create elaborate fake profiles, complete with stolen photos, to lend authenticity to their deceit.

Scammers often target individuals on dating sites, where they build emotional connections with their victims. These strangers online typically claim to be active duty service members stationed in conflict zones such as Syria or Yemen. In some cases, they might pretend to be a military general or even a commanding officer, using their alleged rank to create a sense of authority and trust.

These scammers target women (and somtimes also men) globally, building emotional connections under the guise of romance. Once trust is established, they manipulate their victims into sending money, often draining their life savings.

This article delves into the tactics behind the American soldier scam, including a list of the most frequently used fake names by scammers posing as U.S. service members in Syria and other overseas locations. Interestingly, some fraudsters also impersonate female soldiers.

Common Fake Names Used in U.S. Military Scams

Romance scammers frequently set up fake profiles on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram or use dating websites to target women seeking long-term relationships.

Many of these scammers, unfamiliar with American naming conventions, struggle to distinguish between first and last names. As a result, their fabricated identities often include awkward or incorrect name combinations.

To mask their inexperience with American naming conventions, scammers often create aliases using two or three common first names. One frequent example is “Mark David.” When questioned, the scammer may claim “David” is the first name, despite the conventional order suggesting otherwise.

The scammers’ misunderstanding of names is further illustrated by a case involving “Frank T. Miller.” The scammer claimed “Miller” was his first name and “Frank T” was his last name, even replicating this error on a falsified passport sent to the victim.

The Top 15 Fake Names of American Soldiers in Syria
or Yemen

Romance scammers often recycle common Western names to create fake personas, posing as U.S. military personnel. These names are designed to sound trustworthy and familiar, making it easier to deceive their targets. Below is a list of the 15 most frequently used fake names:

1. Mark David
2. John Frank
3. Michael Frank
4. Mark Michael
5. Steven Thomas
6. Bill Walter
7. Steven Mark
8. Lucas Danile
9. Stephen James
10. Thomas Muller
11. Jacob Michael
12. Noah David
13. Marc Lucas
14. Benjamin Oliver
15. Mark Philipp Thomas

These names often follow a pattern of combining two first names or mixing a common Western first name with a more generic surname. Scammers count on these names to seem authentic, but their inconsistencies often reveal the fraud.

How Scammers Choose These Names

Scammers frequently pull these names from public records, social media profiles, or even obituary listings. They avoid complex or unique names to minimize suspicion. However, as seen in examples like Lucas Danile, spelling mistakes or odd combinations sometimes slip through, which can be a red flag for potential victims.

The fake profiles these scammers create often come with fabricated stories of hardship or heroism, designed to tug at the heartstrings of their targets and justify requests for financial help.

Be aware: If you encounter anyone online claiming to be a soldier with one of these names, take extra precautions to verify their identity.

How does love scamming as a pretend service member work?

The scammers select their victims specifically. They prefer middle-aged and advanced women. From time to time, men also become the victims of love scammers, when the perpetrators pretend to be female soldiers of the US Army. The majority of the victims are female.

The scammers’ scheme is always the same. They claim to be American service members of the armed forces in Syria or Yemen. As is well known, there is a civil war in Yemen and the U.S. soldiers would be assigned to Yemen to support the government or the interests of Saudi Arabia.

The scammers are very clever psychologically. They are in constant contact with the victim and tell one sob story after another.

Once a connection is established, they often direct victims awya from their Facebook page to Google Chat. The scammers may present themselves as a military member from various branches, such as the Air Force or the Marine Corps, and fabricate tales of hardship and sacrifice to evoke sympathy.

Often this story is about the hard everyday life in the war, about military life in the US Army and how bad life is in Yemen. This is supposed to make the victim develop emotional ties to the love scammer and trust them.

The story is usually supported by the photo of the U.S. soldier in uniform. The photos are real, as well as the U.S. soldiers that can be seen on them.

However, the soldiers pictured are either long gone from US Army service or are stationed somewhere else, if not deceased. The criminals use the pictures illegally without the knowledge of the persons depicted on them. It is nothing more than identity theft.

Sometimes the photos also come from advertising, Press TV or were copied somewhere on the Internet to deceive the women.

How Does Love Scamming as a Pretend Service Member Work?

Love scamming, especially when scammers pose as U.S. service members, follows a predictable but highly effective pattern. Scammers deliberately target vulnerable individuals, with middle-aged and older women being their primary focus. While most victims are women, some men also fall prey when scammers pose as female soldiers.

The Typical Scam Scenario

Scammers craft their personas as U.S. soldiers stationed in conflict zones like Syria or Yemen. These locations are strategically chosen because they are associated with danger, isolation, and hardship, which helps evoke sympathy and trust. In Yemen, for example, U.S. forces are sometimes portrayed as supporting government forces or Saudi interests amidst the ongoing civil war.

The scammers establish contact via social media, dating apps, or even email, and they waste no time weaving a compelling narrative. They share stories of their supposed deployment, describing the harsh realities of war and military life. This narrative serves to create an emotional bond with the victim.

As the relationship develops, the scammer will often claim that they need money to pay fees for various reasons, such as needing to send a package home or cover medical expenses. Sometimes, they might even ask for money for a video chat to deepen the emotional connection, although this could be pre-recorded to maintain the illusion.

The Psychological Tactics

The scammers excel in psychological manipulation. They maintain constant communication, often bombarding their victims with messages of love, admiration, and fabricated struggles. Their stories frequently include:

• Harsh conditions in war zones: They detail the stress and danger of daily life in conflict regions.
• Loneliness and longing: They claim to be isolated, craving connection and support.
• Financial woes: Eventually, they introduce a financial element, often linked to their deployment—requests for money to cover “emergency leave,” medical expenses, or help with sending a package from overseas.

The Role of Stolen Photos

To lend credibility to their claims, scammers use real photos of U.S. soldiers in uniform. These images are often stolen from social media, news articles, or military websites. Tragically, some of the individuals depicted may have left the service, be stationed elsewhere, or even be deceased.

In some cases, scammers source images from unrelated contexts, such as advertisements or press materials, to reinforce their fake identities. This constitutes a clear case of identity theft, as the individuals in the photos have no knowledge of or involvement in the scam.

Why It Works

The combination of real photos, emotionally charged stories, and constant communication creates a sense of authenticity. Victims often feel a deep personal connection to their “soldier” and may overlook obvious red flags, such as inconsistencies in the scammer’s story or demands for money.

Key Takeaway: If someone claiming to be a U.S. service member begins sharing emotional stories and asking for financial assistance, it’s essential to remain skeptical. Verification of their identity is crucial to avoid falling victim to this type of scam.

How Does the Alleged U.S. Soldier Get His Victim to Send Money?

Once the scammer has successfully built an emotional connection, the groundwork is laid for financial exploitation. By this point, the victim, deeply invested in the fabricated relationship, is unlikely to question the scammer’s increasingly bold requests.

The Promise of a Real-Life Meeting

The scammer’s first major ploy often involves a promise to transition the relationship from online to real life. They claim that maintaining an internet-based relationship is no longer sufficient—they want to meet in person. This desire aligns perfectly with the victim’s hopes, further solidifying their trust.

The scammer, posing as a U.S. soldier stationed in Yemen, explains that a personal meeting is only possible if they secure leave from their military deployment. They emphasize how much they long to escape the hardships of war and be with their “love.”

Fake Documents and Photos

To lend credibility to their request, the scammer sends photos and official-looking documents. These materials might include:

• Military leave forms: Supposedly from the U.S. Army, indicating the need for payment to process leave.
• Travel documents: Fake itineraries or airline confirmations that appear legitimate.
• Proof of identity: Further stolen photos, sometimes doctored, to reinforce their soldier persona.

These documents are typically sent via email or messaging apps, reinforcing the illusion of authenticity.

The Financial Request

The scammer then introduces the financial aspect, often under a plausible pretext. They might claim that:

• Leave applications require fees: They need the victim to cover the cost of their leave.
• Travel expenses must be prepaid: They need money for plane tickets or visa processing.
• There are unforeseen emergencies: Medical expenses, bribes, or other urgent needs arise during their deployment.

The scammer appeals to the victim’s emotions, framing the financial request as a necessary step to be together. They may even refer to the victim as “my wife” or “my love,” heightening the sense of intimacy and urgency.

Psychological Pressure

If the victim hesitates, the scammer ramps up the pressure, using tactics like:

• Guilt-tripping: Suggesting the victim doesn’t care enough to help them escape the horrors of war.
• Urgency: Claiming there’s a narrow window to secure their leave or book flights.
• Fear of losing the relationship: Implying they’ll be stuck in a dangerous warzone without the victim’s help.

The combination of trust, emotional manipulation, and fake evidence often compels victims to comply, sending money to support their “soldier.”

Key Warning Sign: Legitimate U.S. military personnel would never ask for money for leave or travel expenses. If someone does, it’s a scam.

Common Excuses Scammers Use to Extract Money

Scammers posing as U.S. soldiers have refined their tactics, employing a variety of convincing stories to manipulate their victims into sending money. These scenarios often play on emotions like empathy, love, and urgency. Here are some of the most successful tactics:

The Customs Box Scam

The scammer claims to have sent a box containing personal items such as documents, uniforms, and even large sums of money or gold. However, the box allegedly gets “stuck” at customs, and the victim is asked to pay customs fees or fines to release it.

The Frozen Account Excuse

The scammer explains that they need money for a plane ticket to visit the victim but cannot access their bank account. They claim that, as a deployed soldier in a foreign country, their account is temporarily frozen for security reasons.

Money for Food

The scammer describes dire conditions in the warzone, stating they are not receiving enough food or basic supplies. They appeal to the victim’s compassion by asking for money to buy essentials.

Leave Replacement Fees

To secure a leave of absence, the scammer explains that a replacement soldier must be sent to cover their duties. This, however, comes with a cost, and they ask the victim to pay for the replacement as a way to expedite their reunion.

Medical Emergencies

In this ploy, the scammer claims a family member has fallen gravely ill and needs immediate medical treatment. They ask the victim to cover the medical fees upfront, often portraying the situation as life or death.

Communication Costs

The scammer insists that maintaining contact with the victim requires paying for expensive communication services. Without the victim’s financial help, they claim they won’t be able to continue their correspondence.

Emotional Manipulation and Financial Loss

Scammers carefully weave these narratives to evoke trust and urgency. Victims, overwhelmed by concern or the desire to help their “loved one,” often ignore red flags. They send money, believing they are supporting someone in need.

Unfortunately, once the money is sent, the scammer vanishes, leaving the victim devastated both emotionally and financially. The supposed soldier never intended to meet or build a real relationship; their goal was purely monetary gain.

These scammers can be highly convincing, especially when they present themselves as military officers or claim that they need money to secure their leave from active duty. It’s crucial to recognize the red flags in these situations—military general or commanding officer titles do not equate to the need for an online stranger to send money. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, always remain cautious and trust your instincts.

Key Takeaway

If someone you’ve only met online asks for money under any of these pretexts, it’s a scam. Legitimate military personnel do not need financial assistance from civilians for travel, leave, or basic necessities.

The Scam Extends Beyond Yemen and Syria

The fraudulent scheme of posing as U.S. military personnel isn’t confined to Yemen. Scammers adapt their stories to align with global crises, choosing locations where military presence seems plausible.

Shifting Scenarios

Initially, Afghanistan was the go-to narrative. Scammers frequently claimed to be stationed there, battling the Taliban or Al Qaeda. However, after the U.S. military’s withdrawal, this story lost its credibility. To remain convincing, scammers pivoted to other conflict zones.

Even now, some fraudsters assert they are part of covert operations in Afghanistan. They claim their missions are classified, which conveniently prevents them from sharing too many details, adding an air of secrecy to their tales.

Popular Countries in Military Scams

Aside from Yemen, scammers often pose as soldiers stationed in other war-torn or politically unstable regions. These include:

• Sudan
• Ukraine
• Iraq
• Iran
• Nigeria
• Syria

These locations serve as perfect backdrops for scammers, as they provide a believable context for danger, isolation, and urgency—key elements for eliciting emotional responses from victims.

Yemen: The Fraudsters’ Favorite

Despite the many countries they use in their stories, Yemen is the top choice. Scammers say they are stationed at al-Anad Air Base in Lahij Province, flown in via Aden International Airport. They claim to be on combat or peacekeeping missions and spin elaborate yarns to make themselves sound believable.

Their stories often include vivid descriptions of their “duties” such as guarding key facilities, being in combat or providing humanitarian aid. These detailed stories are designed to build trust and sympathy so you are more likely to fall for their tricks.

Why Yemen?

Yemen offers credibility and urgency. The ongoing civil war and the presence of international forces makes it a believable place for scammers. The humanitarian crisis in the country adds to their emotional appeal as they can convincingly say they are in dire need of help.

Stay Vigilant

Understanding the scammers’ tactics is crucial to avoiding victimization. Whether the claimed location is Yemen or elsewhere, the pattern of emotional manipulation and financial exploitation remains the same.

Signs of Military Romance Scams?

Recognizing a military romance scam is the first step to protecting yourself. Here are some key indicators:

• Despite what scammers claim, U.S. soldiers stationed abroad, especially in conflict zones, do not engage in casual online chats.
•  Genuine service members never ask strangers for financial assistance, gift cards, or cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
• The scammers’ messages often contain poor grammar, awkward phrasing, or inconsistent use of military terminology.
• Their narratives often lack plausibility or contain errors about military protocol.
• Fake profiles usually have limited activity, few friends or followers, and often disappear after initial contact.
• Requests for money transfers via Western Union, MoneyGram, or accounts in African countries are a red flag.
• Servicemen do not have to pay medical fees, either for themselves or for their immediate family members as they have good medical insurance.
• A military general contacting a civilian about a leave request is unheard of.

Protecting Yourself from Scams

To avoid getting scammed:

• Never Send Money: Don’t send funds or share personal info with someone you’ve only met online.
• Verify Suspicious Profiles: Get as much info as possible, including photos and personal details, and consult with pros to verify.
• Be Cautious of Emotional Manipulation: Scammers use emotions to gain trust and get financial help.
• Get Expert Help: If you suspect fraud, contact our investigative services. We can tell you if the person behind the profile is real.

Military Scam Effects

These scams can be brutal, financially and emotionally.

• Victims lose big money, sometimes their life savings. Individual losses can be hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• The psychological harm is severe. Victims feel shame, guilt and deep betrayal.
• For some, the deception leads to depression, isolation or even suicide. Relationships and trust in others are often irreparably damaged.

For more insights and tips, check out related articles on how to avoid online romance scams and stay safe in the digital world:

• Useful Tips
• 419 Scam – Taking money by scamming

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