Don't Accept That Friend Request

[Richard]

And so it goes...

Richard

Don't Accept That Friend Request
USASOC News Svc

You log onto your computer at the end of your work day, pull up your favorite social networking profile and prepare to get connected and updated on what’s new with your friends. Scrolling through your friend requests you discover a photo of a handsome, distinguished, Army general officer. He wants YOU to be his Facebook friend.

Curiosity alone might make you accept the request, start a conversation, and learn more. A few minutes, hours or days into the conversation and you might be asked to send a phone card, provide money, or even fund a Rest and Recooperation visit home from Iraq so he can see you.

It sounds strange written here but the sad reality is that an increasing number of online scammers are using Soldiers’ photos in order to steal money or personal information. Many of them claim to be looking for love, others make up a sad story about being stranded or losing a wallet but it all centers around the same idea – a desperate need for money only you can provide.

In the Internet age, it’s now commonplace for individuals to meet online. Web sites such as eHarmony and Match.com have gained popularity for those looking for a serious relationship, and I have more than a few friends who have previewed friends by first checking out their Facebook or MySpace profile. So, it’s not exactly odd for someone you don’t know to reach out and make a connection via social networking profile.

Many tell a good tale, and coupled with a story of heroism or a photo in uniform, it can be hard to resist. I’d like to think that most of us would be savvy enough to know that the Sergeant Major of the Army or Chief of Staff aren’t really looking to start a relationship online. But how about Specialist Johnson or Major Monroe?

As savvy as you may be, be incredibly leery about unsolicited friend requests or solicitations to connect from folks you don’t know on line – even if they’re good looking and wearing a uniform. Soldiers do NOT need your money to get home for R&R, make phone calls, or get work done while deployed. For those that do need assistance there are existing Soldier-support programs – both privately funded and officially sponsored – that help Soldiers in need.

Our Soldiers are thankful every day for the support and care given to them by concerned members of the American public – that’s why they want to make sure your best intentions don’t get taken advantage of by scammers.

If you have been solicited for money or asked to provide banking or personal financial information by someone you believe to be posing as a U.S. Soldier, contact your nearest Criminal Investigation Command Office or e-mail CID at crimetips@conus.army.mil. You can also file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.IC3.gov.

http://news.soc.mil/releases/News%20...100125-01.html

[AngelsSix]

People are becoming increasing pathetic, I swear! Humanity is dipping to all time lows with this crap.

[afchic]

Funny the timing of this post. We just had a notice sent out to all of us from the base network administrators cautioning us about social networking sites and OPSEC. Even provided us a nifty checklist of items to think about before posting something on line.

It really is scary to think what kind of info our enemies, or just plain petty criminals are gathering based on facebook, myspace etc accounts.

[AngelsSix]

Our accounts have all social networking sites and civilian email account links blocked. The most that you can do now is look at the news. No videos will work, either. I think it's good, but I personally have not noticed a drop in people sitting at their desks playing around on the internet for hours instead of finding something productive to be done.....but I digress, that is a whole other issue in itself.