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In today’s world, anything goes. It is no longer unheard of that some people lie about their military record or even their military involvement. This is especially offensive to those who respect or serve in the military but don’t blame yourself if you’ve fallen for someone’s lies.
While you shouldn’t assume most people are lying just because no proof has been seen, following your intuition is an important place to begin. When looking at anything objectively, the first warning is you have a nagging suspicion that the details don’t add up.
Here are some common warning signs that you’re not dealing with someone whose military background is what they claim it is. Fabricating a personal military history can be done in person or online. This is mostly to garnish praise, gain respects, or even sometimes to get money! Another reason is to hide their actual lifestyle (i.e., explain absences which are not connected to the military but occur because they are married or simply trying to catfish you)!
Though a list of warnings cannot prove or disprove whether someone is lying, it can give you more proof that you are onto something. Those who lie about the military may be armed with a small arsenal of details to support their lies, but it is rare that they have the same expertise as those who genuinely served in the military.
Warning #1: They say things which they later forget about. This is usually the first sign that something is amiss. When people lie, their lies have lies, and pretty soon, it is a slippery slope of truth. If they are lying for praise, power, respect, or because they are a Catfish, at some point there will be a detail which doesn’t add up. Do your research. Even a Google search can help. If they’ve given you any ‘concrete’ fabricated details, researching them through socialcatfish.com can provide you with information about who the person truly is. You will finally know if that person is a respected military hero or foe!
Warning #2: Terminology. Military terms are very specific. Unless someone has grown up with a military family, served, or had close involvement with someone who has, they will interchange the terms incorrectly or not know what the meaning of abbreviations are. Look for hesitation when they speak military jargon with you. Often when this language is utilized it will be misused if they are lying.
Warning #3: Military Bases. Those who’ve served in the military have extensive time and knowledge at camps, forts, and bases. If they do not know where large bases are, related to their military role, then they are not who they say they are.
Warning #4: Other Details. Military details, like rank and knowledge of military equipment, are necessary for fact checking anyone you’re not sure is telling the truth.
Do not make your gathering of the truth sound like an interview or inquisition. Do not expect them to tell you the truth if they know you are catching on. They may double down and lie more, not less, if they suspect their lies are exposed. Consider having someone who knows the military inside and out meet the person you believe is lying and give you their take on the situation. If the person is lying for massive praise or financial gain, consider alerting the authorities.
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