Important online information regarding British forces personnel on Operations
- Some users of online dating websites have reported making contact with others claiming to be British Army soldiers on operations around the world.
- Typically, they have reported building a relationship over time, through correspondence and exchange of photos etc - but eventually there is an attempt to defraud when the spoof soldier either asks for bank account details to transfer a significant amount of money, or by asking for money to enable them to go on leave.
- The former is a long-established scam (known as "advance-fee fraud") while the latter is a new, but outright, con. British forces personnel on Operations do not have to pay to go on leave, or to pay for flights, or replacement personnel.
- Anyone in such a position should cease all communications and contact their local law enforcement agency.
Across the Army we use digital communications on a daily basis. There are those that are for internal use only and those that are viewable by the Public. The pages linked below give guidance and policy advice on how to access and use these channels.