Reports :

The scam involving Robert Castill reportedly developed through months of frequent communication with a victim. He allegedly claimed to be serving in the U.S. Army in Syria, giving the relationship a military backdrop. Daily messages and long conversations may have helped create familiarity and emotional dependence. The victim also reported intimate and sexual conversations, which may have strengthened the feeling of a private relationship. After several months, the person allegedly began asking for money. The deployment story may have been used to explain why meeting in person was impossible. It may also have provided excuses for financial problems, travel restrictions, or limited access to money.