Watch for the pitch, magazine sellers can be too pushy Published April 30, 2014 By Senior Airman Frank Casciotta 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Security forces officials at military installations across the country are investigating reports of young adults gaining access to bases under false pretenses. On Feb. 24 a Sailor stationed at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., met four people at a local retail store and sponsored them onto the base to sell magazines to Airmen living in the enlisted dormitories. Although not affiliated with the Tinker incident, Lavant wants to share lessons learned from the incident since there are potential targets here. "It wasn't a coincidence that the targeted individual was in the military," said Staff Sgt. Remmecya Lavant, the 71st Security Forces Squadron investigator. "Military men are targets because they are easy to spot and males are potentially easier targets for females trying to sell something or possibly seeking to gain intelligence about the base." The usual pitch individuals use to gain access to the base is that they are college students in a contest to sell magazines, which will earn them points toward a free trip somewhere. After they gain access to a base, the suspects often try to persuade or abandon their sponsor and go knocking on doors in the dorms. Victims at Tinker described the subjects as persistent and flirtatious. Reportedly, they have sat on victim's laps or seductively sat on the victims' beds to make the sales. Similar incidents have been reported at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., and Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., within the last two months. In both of those cases victims were targeted at local retail stores. "It's not hard for them to spot military members because we stand out, but we can make ourselves less obvious if we want," said Lavant. Military haircuts, particularly the "high and tight" style are easy to spot, but things like squadron T-shirts, Air Force decals on vehicles, wearing a uniform off base and general conversations in public places can give someone away as a military member, she said. "Having pride in your profession is good, but be aware that others may try to take advantage of your position as a military member," said Lavant. Lavant urges Airmen here to use good judgment when sponsoring guests on base. Airmen need to be vigilant and protect themselves to avoid becoming victims. "We trust our Airmen to do the right thing and be responsible, but be aware these people are out there," said Lavant. "These women have tried to bribe Airmen in some cases. If that happens, Airmen should report the suspects to security forces with a description of the individuals, what questions they asked and (their) last known location." "This is not a likely problem we will have at Vance since we have a good relationship with the community, but we need to stay aware," said Lavant. Editor's note: Information from this article was provided by Tinker Air Force Base public affairs staff writer Kimberly Woodruff.