ABC 4 is told, these scam artists basically exploit people who are sympathetic to the military, by taking your trust in the Utah National Guard then use it to empty your bank account.
Over the past several months, Major Bruce Roberts has received emails from people in Oklahoma and South Carolina, claiming a member of the Utah National Guard 128th Unit conned them out of several thousands of dollars.
"I've had people contact me in regard to these scams, and ask me - Is this a real unit? Is this is real person? I have to tell them No. It's a scam. Don't do it,” said Major Bruce Roberts, Utah National Guard, Spokesperson.
ABC is told it works two ways. One, the scammer claims to be a Utah Guardsman being deployed to Afghanistan, who’s in desperate need to sell his car. He posted a listing online. He convinces the buyer to pay in advance, but never delivers. The second involves posting a fake profile on dating websites, called “Twoo”. One scammer claimed to be former Miss Utah and National Guard Medic Jill Shepherd, and then sent a Colorado man the following message -
"I believe we can really make things together and that you can make a new life with me... If my men pay the kids school fees I should be able to take care of the kids’ luxury and immediate needs."
Once the scammer has gained the victim’s trust, its then when they start asking for money.
Measures have been taken to ensure that the National Guard is doing everything it can to reach out and try to prevent and stop these scammers, but the internet makes it really difficult to identify scammers.
If you think you have been a victim of this scam, the Military needs your help. You can help them find the scam artists by filing a formal complaint with the Better Business Bureau.
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