The Verification Unit

  The Lover Boy Often, scammers express quick, intense affection to manipulate your emotions. Some also take it slow, but it will all end with requests for money.  ALWAYS! Even if it takes a year! Real love does not demand money.  Experienced this? Let us know: https://blog.verification-unit.com/p/vu-case-form.html They will never know we are checking them!  Oh, btw, victim-blaming only supports the scammers! When targets can't come forward, the crime stays hidden, nothing gets done and the problem gets even worse. Don't be part of the problem!

  The Big Fat Liar: Scammers will try anything to appear trustworthy. They lie about their identity, past and present situation. They claim military ties and emotional distress. They have lost their Partners in bombings, their children are living with their neighbor's aunt in Austria, and they just need someone to talk… If you want to let them go on a little because you're having fun, go right ahead but SAFELY! https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/top-tips-for-staying-secure-online If you feel you're starting to connect with them, because maybe it's not 100% lies…  Check our list of still active scammers: https://blog.verification-unit.com/p/vu-list-of-still-active-scammers-frauds.html Not on the list? Tell us : https://blog.verification-unit.com/p/vu-case-form.html They will never know we are checking them!

  The Emotional Blackmailer Scammers use guilt and pity to exploit your kindness. Stand firm and don't let emotional manipulation control your actions. Also, F#UC#K THEM!  Listen to your gut! Are you feeling pressured? Check our list of still active scammers: https://blog.verification-unit.com/p/vu-list-of-still-active-scammers-frauds.html Not on the list? Tell us about it : https://blog.verification-unit.com/p/vu-case-form.html Stay ahead of scammers by staying informed. Your empathy is strength— Use it to feel out the fakes!

  The Foreign Merchant Why is it always the foreign merchant's / commander's  PayPal account? Because usually they are stolen or belong to people that are being used as money mules ( https://www.europol.europa.eu/operations-services-and-innovation/public-awareness-and-prevention-guides/money-muling )  If you read the words: the commander's PayPal or a  foreign / trusted merchant's PayPal in your DMs… Take a step back. Check our list of still active scammers: https://blog.verification-unit.com/p/vu-list-of-still-active-scammers-frauds.html Not on the list? Tell us about your suspicions : https://blog.verification-unit.com/p/vu-case-form.html Stay ahead of scammers by staying informed

  The Trend Follower Scammers latch onto popular topics to seem relevant. Always question why a new online contact is suddenly engaging with trending topics. Wunderfully explained with the HIMARS example, but there is also Avdiivka, Bakhmut, needing drones to save people and animals from the Kakhovka flooding… They are using whatever they can to make you give them money! Noticed something off in your DMs? Check our list of still active scammers:  https://blog.verification-unit.com/p/vu-list-of-still-active-scammers-frauds.html They are not on the list? Tell us about your suspicions :  https://blog.verification-unit.com/p/vu-case-form.html Stay ahead of scammers by staying informed.

  The Hungry Scammer Whenever you get asked for food, socks or a tent by a 'Soldier' in DM, just offer to help them get in contact with established charities. Always! Soldiers on the front have contacts. This war has been going on for long enough for every Soldier to know exactly whom to ask for support. And it's not you! What do you do if you get DMs like this? Check our list of still active scammers: https://blog.verification-unit.com/p/vu-list-of-still-active-scammers-frauds.html They are not on the list? Tell us about your suspicions :  https://blog.verification-unit.com/p/vu-case-form.html Compassion is crucial, but so is caution.

  The Lazy Fool Some scammers can barely be bothered to customize their messages. Look out for repetitive, nonsensical messages that don't fit your interaction. Spotted laziness of this kind in your DM's? Take some screenshots and inform us: https://blog.verification-unit.com/p/vu-case-form.html Let's work together to keep our community alert and safe.

  The Copy-Paste Idiot Watch out for messages that seem generic or off-tone. Scammers often use template responses that don't quite match your conversation. If their story feels rehearsed or their English seems inconsistently good or bad, chances are high you are talking to a scammer! At the first weird gut feeling, take screenshots! Check our list of still active scammers: https://blog.verification-unit.com/p/vu-­list-of-still-active-scammers-frauds.htm­l Not on the list? Send them here : https://blog.verification-unit.com/p/vu-­case-form.html We will check them for you! And NO, they won't know!

  The VU Favourite Be wary when someone requests a screenshot of a donation or payment. This is a tactic to confirm the transaction has been completed and it is the proof the scammers need to get their cut! They may pretend it's for a noble cause, but their only goal is to ensure they've successfully stolen your money. And just don't do familiy and friends, if the person you are talking to might be anything else… Sounds familiar?  Take screenshots of their messages to you and send your info here: https://blog.verification-unit.com/p/vu-case-form.html

  The Classic Intro Scammers often start with a message of thanks for your solidarity or support, because they've noticed your online activity related to Ukraine. They'll seem empathetic and may share your posts or express shared values, but they only do it to establish a false sense of trust. Take screenshots of their messages to you and check our list of still active scammers: https://blog.verification-unit.com/p/vu-list-of-still-active-scammers-frauds.html Not on the list?  Tell us about your suspicions : https://blog.verification-unit.com/p/vu-case-form .html

  Introducing:  The Scamology series's newest installment 104 The VU Archive - your chance to take an exclusive look into the archives of the Verification Unit. Learn from past and/or failed scams to protect yourself and your loved ones.  Stay Tuned! The VU