The risk of ‘catfishing’, where individuals create fake online identities to manipulate and deceive others, is increasing. This can result in emotional distress and financial loss.
AFF was recently forwarded an email by an enquirer which was threatening to the individual and financial demands were made. AFF takes these matters very seriously and raised this with the Army’s Security Branch.
It has advised that if you receive a message like this, don’t panic, it’s likely that nothing will come of receiving these types of emails. If you receive an email that you feel is not legitimate, there are a number of people you can reach out to:
- Your unit/chain of command
- If the email was sent to your MOD email account or if reference has been made to the Army or MOD, contact the Army Warnings, Advice and Reporting Point (Army WARP) ArmyWARP-Mailbox@mod.gov.uk.
- Contact Action Fraud if the email was sent to your personal email account and there is no reference made to the Army or MOD.
Be vigilant when interacting with people online, especially those you haven’t met in person, and never share personal or MOD information or send money.
POSTED ON 29 AUGUST 2024