Why Ignoring Digital Harassment on LinkedIn Is a Dangerous Mistake

"Ignore it, and it will go away."

That was the advice I received when I reported being digitally harassed by someone impersonating an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) officer.

But ignoring it wasn’t an option—because digital threats don’t just disappear. They escalate.

This wasn’t just another online scam. The individual claimed ties to world leaders, aggressively sought investment for rockets, and attempted to reconnect with me across multiple platforms after I blocked him.

When I reached out for advice, friends and colleagues—well-meaning but unaware of the dangers—told me to let it go.

"These things happen all the time," they said.

But I knew better. I had seen what happens when someone impersonates military personnel—and it wasn’t just about fake accounts or financial scams. It was life-threatening.

The Common Myth: Why People Say to Ignore It

We live in a digital world where harassment is often brushed off as background noise. The common advice is:

? Block them.

? Don’t engage.

? Move on.

For minor annoyances, this approach may work. But military impersonation is not a minor annoyance.

This is not just someone stealing photos to scam people. This is someone trying to build credibility, gain access, and manipulate trust.

And that can have real-world consequences.

My Experience: A Persistent Impersonator with Disturbing Claims

On January 17, I received an inbound request for investment a man seeking investment. On January 20 on a call he started claiming to be in the IDF. I quickly saw discrepancies in his story and denied his request.

But that wasn’t the end.

Even after I blocked him, he:

?? Tried to book calls with me again through different platforms.

?? Messaged me on LinkedIn and Instagram after I cut off contact.

?? Made bizarre claims about ties to global leaders, including the Indian and Sri Lankan President & Prime Ministers.

At first, LinkedIn deleted my messages with him, labeling them "harmful material." That scared me even more—why was the platform removing traces of our conversation while this person remained active?

This time, I refused to stay silent.

International Security: A Collaborative Response Matters

I reached out to the Israeli Embassy Security Trade Desk in Singapore—and they were absolutely fantastic. They took this matter seriously, responded swiftly, and helped ensure the right people were informed. Their professionalism and urgency showed what it looks like when security threats are handled correctly.

However, this isn’t just about one nation. This is a global issue. When digital impersonation involves military identities and world leaders, it becomes an international security concern.

Multiple embassies and agencies should be alerted to cases like this:

?? Singapore Government – While I didn’t report it to the police due to past inaction on digital harassment I've previously experience (heck, the last time the police laughed at me), the government should be aware.

?? U.S. Embassy – A flag should be raised, especially if the new ambassador is in place.

?? Canadian Embassy – Since this individual is based in Canada, their involvement is critical.

?? Indian Embassy – He claimed proximity to the Indian Prime Minister.

?? Sri Lankan Embassy – He also claimed ties to the current and former President, even saying he’d do anything to become Sri Lanka’s President himself.

?? Nigerian Embassy – He mentioned Nigeria in WhatsApp conversations.

I haven't reached out to them as it was Chinese New Year, but I will follow up this week.

While I hope this was merely an intimidation tactic, the risks are too high to assume that. International collaboration is key to keeping people safe—whether they’re online, on land, at sea, or in the air.

Why Military Impersonation Is Particularly Dangerous

Many assume that impersonating a soldier online is just a scam tactic—harmless at worst. But I know differently.

When I was in the military, a First Sergeant I served under was targeted by someone using a military identity to gain trust and access.

A dishonorably discharged individual, still in possession of his uniform, was able to walk onto base without suspicion and personally deliver a package. That package contained an explosive.

Later that day, it detonated—blowing off her hand and disfiguring her face.

19 year old Airman Millhouse, me, was just yards away. I was lucky to not get hit by the fragments of what was inside the boxed mail addressed to her.

This was not random. This was deliberate violence, made possible by someone exploiting military identity.

So when I saw a stranger pretending to be an IDF officer, talking about global connections and rockets, my mind immediately went to the worst-case scenario.

Maybe this was just digital harassment. But maybe it wasn’t.

And that’s the problem: By ignoring these things, we give bad actors the space to operate unchecked.

Why Ignoring Digital Harassment is Dangerous

Let’s be clear—online impersonation isn’t just about annoyance. It’s a tool for:

? Phishing and fraud – Gaining trust to extract sensitive information.

? Social engineering – Manipulating people into giving access to restricted spaces.

? Security risks – Fake military identities can open doors that should remain closed.

We’ve seen cases where people posed as military officers to infiltrate organizations, steal data, and even commit crimes.

So when people told me to ignore my situation, they didn’t understand the bigger picture. This wasn’t just about me—it was about security.

What Needs to Change?

?? Stop telling people to ignore digital harassment. Take it seriously.

?? Report impersonation and document everything. Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away.

?? Platforms must do better. LinkedIn deleted my messages but let the impersonator continue operating. That’s unacceptable.

?? Governments must recognize online impersonation as a serious threat. It’s more than a cybercrime—it’s a real-world security risk.

?? Global cooperation is key. Security is not a national issue—it’s an international one.

Don’t Let Silence Be an Invitation

I understand why people say to ignore digital threats. It feels easier. Less stressful.

But if we pretend small risks don’t matter, we fail to see when they become big threats.

Harassment doesn’t disappear when we ignore it. It grows louder.

And that’s why I won’t stay silent.

If this resonates with you—or if you’ve ever been told to “just ignore it”—I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s start a conversation on why silence is not the answer.

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