Military Spouses Exposed to Heinous Scam

Military spouses are being warned about a heinous scam concerning their loved ones that may be serving in Iraq. Apparently, a caller identifying herself as an American Red Cross representative tells the spouse that her husband was hurt in Iraq and has been evacuated to Germany. In the process the caller asks for the service members social security number so the necessary paperwork can be initiated. Obviously, this scam is intended to acquire personal information and then use it to steal an identity.

All military family members are being urged not to provide personal information over the phone. Military family members should be familiar with the proper procedures that will be followed in the event that a loved one in Iraq or Afghanistan is injured or wounded.

This information needs to be widely disseminated to insure that the families of our soldiers serving in Iraq or Afghanistan are not victimized. If you know a family or have a friend that has a loved one serving please advice them of this information. No official call would ask for personal information and the military contacts the loved ones of an injured or wounded service member in person and even under those circumstances they would not request personal information as they already have that in the official records. If a family member is contacted and personal information is requested they should decline to provide it and contact military authorities immediately.

The American people, whether they support the war in Iraq or not, owe a debt of gratitude to those that risk their lives in the service of our nation. Most of us are not being called upon to sacrifice in any way whatsoever. The least that we can do is provide comfort to those that serve or their families that wait for their safe return.

If anyone wants to help provide a bit of comfort or an uplifting message to our soldiers, AnySoldier.com provides information on how to send personal care items, treats or snacks to soldiers - even if you don't personally know one. Treats for troops (google it) is also a way to send items to a soldier if you wish to show your support. Our soldiers cannot see the yellow ribbons that are placed on numerous automobiles throughout America, but they can see a letter of support or enjoy a snack or goodie that has been provided to them by a citizen of a grateful nation.