A Guide to Protecting Veterans from Fraud

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The Rising Threat of Fraud Against Veterans

Fraud, characterized by intentional deception leading to financial or benefit loss, is increasingly targeting Veterans. An AARP study from November 2021 revealed that 78% of Veterans have been victims of scams exploiting their military history. These scams, including a variety of imposter scams like online romance or emergency scams, often aim to access government-provided benefits. Veterans are particularly vulnerable due to their benefits and resources. Real-life examples include fake social media accounts impersonating service members and deceptive loan offers targeting military personnel. The impact of these scams is widespread across all age groups, and they leverage the trust and good intentions of their victims. The message to those affected by fraud is that the fault lies with the scammers, not the victims.

Understanding the Risk

Prevalence: 78% of Veterans have been targeted by scams, according to a 2021 AARP study.
Common Scams: Imposter scams, including online romance and emergency fraud, are major concerns.
Targeted Demographic: Veterans are often chosen due to their access to benefits and resources.

Real-Life Fraud Examples

Social Media Deception: Cases of fake accounts impersonating Veterans on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Loan Scams: Advertisements offering special loan rates for Veterans that turn out to be deceptive.

How to Avoid Scams: Proactive Strategies

Safeguarding Personal Information

Unexpected Requests: Be wary of unanticipated requests for sensitive information.
Payment Method Red Flags: Avoid paying through cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards.

Blocking and Reporting Scams

Technology at Your Service: Use call blocking and labeling technology to filter scam calls and messages.

Staying Vigilant

Resist Immediate Action: Take time to make decisions and verify the legitimacy of requests.
Consult Trusted Sources: Share your experiences with friends or family members to gain perspective.

Reporting Scams: Your Line of Defense

Healthcare Fraud: Contact Veterans Health Administration for healthcare-related fraud.
Benefits Fraud: Report suspected VA Benefits fraud directly to their hotline.

Wider Reporting

General Fraud: Report non-VA related scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Recognizing Scammer Tactics

Deceptive Techniques

Email and Social Media Spoofing: Be cautious of emails and messages from unverified sources.
Phishing and Vishing: Recognize and avoid phishing attempts, whether via email or phone.

Protecting Yourself and Your Family

Cybersecurity Measures: Use multi-factor authentication and strong passwords.
Phone Safety: Identify red flags in phone calls claiming to be from government or military sources.

Imposter Scams Awareness

Verifying Requests: Confirm the authenticity of any personal requests for money or information.

Common Scams Targeting Veterans

Online Romance and Healthcare Fraud

Spotting Red Flags: Learn to identify signs of romance and healthcare scams.

Disability and Pension Benefits Scams

Direct Applications: Apply for VA benefits directly to avoid middlemen scams.

Loan and Housing Schemes

Awareness of Deceptive Offers: Be cautious of high-interest loans and housing scams.

PACT Act Scams

Recognizing Phishing Attempts: Stay alert to email, phone, and social media scams related to the PACT Act.

Employment Scams

Job Opportunity Red Flags: Verify the legitimacy of employment offers and recruiters.

Education Scams

Avoiding Education-Related Fraud: Research schools and apply for benefits through verified channels.

Additional Resources

Better Business Bureau: Check businesses’ credibility.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Report communication-related scams.
Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB): Find tools to combat fraud.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Fraud Resources: Access resources for Veterans.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Report identity theft and tax fraud.
Social Security Administration: Report fraud related to social security.
Federal Bureau of Investigation: File internet-related fraud complaints.
National Do Not Call Registry: Register your phone number to block unwanted calls.

Stay Informed, Stay Protected.