It's essential to be cautious in such situations, as there are potential risks involved. If you have never met this person in real life and only know them through text messages or online communication, it's essential to proceed with caution and consider the following:
Verify the information: Try to gather more information about the person's deployment by asking questions and see if their story is consistent. If possible, ask for their official military email address or a way to contact their commanding officer directly.
Avoid sharing personal information: Do not provide any sensitive personal information or login credentials for your email account. If this person is genuine, they wouldn't need your login details to get back home.
Check for signs of a scam: Be wary of any inconsistencies, red flags, or signs of a potential scam. Scammers might try to manipulate your emotions to gain access to your personal information or financial resources.
Never send money: If the person asks for money to facilitate their return or any other reason related to their deployment, it's a significant red flag. Legitimate military personnel would not ask for money to come back home.
Consult with friends or family: Talk to someone you trust about the situation and seek their opinion. An outside perspective can be valuable.
Report suspicious behavior: If you believe the person might be a scammer, you can report their account on the platform where you're communicating with them. Additionally, you can report potential scams to the relevant authorities or the platform's customer support.
In general, it's crucial to prioritize your safety and be cautious when dealing with people you have never met in person or have little information about. If you have doubts or concerns, it's best to err on the side of caution and not take any actions that could potentially put your personal information or security at risk.