Is a person claiming to be a soldier or aid worker overseas asking me to store valuables or receive a package on their behalf a scam?
Yes. This is a variant of romance or advance-fee fraud using a military or humanitarian cover story. No genuine soldier or aid worker needs a stranger to receive packages or funds.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Military romance scams build on the romance scam template with additional elements designed to explain why the person cannot meet in person, why they need financial help, and why they need you to receive something on their behalf. Claiming to be a soldier, surgeon, oil rig worker, or international aid worker provides cover for all of these requirements.
In the package variant, you are asked to receive and forward a package containing valuables, cash, or jewellery. The package may actually arrive and contain something of apparent value — at which point you are asked to forward it, making you an unknowing parcel mule. Alternatively, the package never arrives but you are asked to pay 'customs fees' to release it, which is a direct advance-fee theft.
Real US military personnel have access to banking services and official logistical support. They do not need civilians to hold assets or receive packages. Real international aid workers similarly operate through established organisational channels.
If you met someone online who introduced any of these elements, conduct a reverse-image search of their photos, which almost always reveals the identity of the real person whose images were stolen.
Common red flags
- Claims to be a soldier, surgeon, or aid worker stationed abroad
- Has never been available for a real-time video call
- Asks you to receive a package and forward it to another address
- Asks for money to pay 'customs fees' to release a package in transit
- Romantic relationship escalated very quickly
- Requests financial help for emergency medical care or travel to come home
What to do now
- Do not receive, store, or forward any packages on behalf of online contacts you have never met
- Do not pay customs or release fees for packages from online contacts
- Reverse-image search all photos shared by the person
- Stop all financial transactions with the contact immediately
- Report the profile to the platform where you met them
- Report to your national fraud authority
Frequently asked questions
What if they have video of themselves in uniform?
Video can be pre-recorded or use footage stolen from a real service member's social media. A fixed video is not the same as a live real-time video call. Always insist on an unscripted live call.
Is being a parcel mule dangerous even if I did not know about it?
Yes. Forwarding packages containing contraband, stolen goods, or proceeds of crime can make you liable even if you did not know the contents. Do not receive or forward packages for strangers.