Military veterans and their families make countless sacrifices to serve and protect the country. Whether actively serving or transitioning back into civilian life, they often gain access to special resources, programs, and benefits designed to support their well-being. Unfortunately, scammers see these perks as opportunities to exploit service members and their families. Fraudsters are quick to prey on veterans, knowing that they may be unfamiliar with how certain benefits work or desperate for help. These scams can be financially devastating, and worse, they can leave lasting damage to your personal information. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the most common scams targeting veterans, how to spot the red flags, and how to protect your identity from being stolen or used for fraud.
- Scams Exploiting Military Benefits
As a service member or veteran, you’re eligible for a variety of government resources—things like healthcare, housing benefits, and educational assistance. Scammers know this and will often target you with fraudulent offers pretending to help you claim these benefits or access financial support.
One of the most common scams involves scammers claiming they can help veterans qualify for government benefits in exchange for an up-front fee. They might promise you special assistance, like helping you get the best debt consolidation programs, lower credit card payments, or even faster processing for VA benefits. The catch is they take your money and leave you with nothing—or worse, they use your personal information for malicious purposes.
How to spot this scam:
- The company asks for a large upfront fee.
- They guarantee you’ll qualify for benefits or financial relief.
- You’re asked for sensitive information (like your Social Security number) over the phone or email.
To avoid falling for these scams, always double-check the legitimacy of the company. Genuine debt relief or VA benefits assistance should never require large upfront payments. You can also verify offers by checking the official VA website or speaking directly with a certified benefits counselor.
- Fake Charities Targeting Veterans
Another heartless scam involves fraudsters posing as charities that claim to support veterans. These scams typically involve phone calls, emails, or social media messages asking for donations to help military veterans in need. They may even use veterans’ emotional stories or the image of the American flag to tug at your heartstrings, making you feel compelled to give.
Scammers may go as far as creating fake websites that look nearly identical to those of reputable charities. They might also trick you into donating to a “veterans charity” through crowdfunding sites or social media fundraising events. The money you donate doesn’t go to veterans or their families—it goes straight into the scammer’s pocket.
How to spot this scam:
- The charity pressures you to donate immediately, often via phone or email.
- They don’t provide clear information about how the funds will be used.
- Their website looks poorly designed or lacks transparency.
- You can’t verify their nonprofit status with trusted organizations like Charity Navigator or GuideStar.
To protect yourself, make sure any charity you donate to is registered and has a good reputation. You can check the IRS website to confirm the nonprofit status of any organization. Be cautious of high-pressure donation requests, and always take time to do your research before giving.
- Phishing Scams and Fake Emails
Phishing is a widespread tactic used by scammers to steal your personal information, and veterans are frequently targeted. Fraudsters might send you emails, text messages, or social media messages that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as the VA, military organizations, or even well-known companies. These messages often look official and may include urgent requests for your personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or VA login credentials.
Phishing emails might tell you that there’s an issue with your benefits or that you need to verify your account information to avoid a delay in processing your benefits. Scammers will use fear and urgency to trick you into clicking links or downloading attachments that are designed to steal your identity or install malicious software on your devices.
How to spot this scam:
- The email or message uses scare tactics or urgency (e.g., “Your VA benefits are about to be suspended!”).
- The sender’s email address looks strange or doesn’t match the official domain of the organization they claim to represent.
- There are links or attachments you’re asked to click on, which can be harmful.
- The message contains spelling and grammar mistakes.
To avoid falling for phishing scams, never click on links or download attachments from unsolicited emails or messages. If you receive a suspicious email, check the official website of the organization directly or call them using the contact information found on their official site. Never provide sensitive information via email or text.
- Veteran ID Theft and Fraudulent Loan Offers
Identity theft is a serious concern for everyone, but veterans are often at a higher risk due to the abundance of personal information that can be accessed through their military service. Scammers may use your stolen personal data to open credit cards or take out loans in your name. Some scams also involve fraudulent loan offers, claiming they’ll give you a great deal on a loan or mortgage—especially if you’re dealing with credit issues or military-related debts.
These loans may have hidden fees, high-interest rates, or loan terms that are too good to be true. Once you sign, the fraudster takes your money and leaves you with a loan that’s impossible to repay.
How to spot this scam:
- You receive an unsolicited loan offer that seems too good to be true.
- The lender asks for personal information or payment upfront.
- You’re pressured into signing documents without fully understanding the terms.
To prevent identity theft, be careful about where you share your personal information. Monitor your credit reports regularly and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your accounts. If you’ve been the victim of identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the credit bureaus right away.
- “Too-Good-to-Be-True” Job Offers
Scammers may also target veterans with fake job offers, claiming they have special employment opportunities for military service members. These job scams can be difficult to detect, as they often look like legitimate positions with well-known companies or government agencies. Scammers will ask for payment to process your job application, for “background checks,” or for materials like training or certification courses that are unnecessary or fraudulent.
How to spot this scam:
- The job offer sounds too good to be true, with a salary far higher than typical positions.
- You’re asked to pay for anything upfront, including application fees or training costs.
- You’re encouraged to provide personal or financial information early in the application process.
If you’re looking for job opportunities, be sure to apply through trusted websites like USAJobs.gov or directly through official company websites. Always be cautious when a job offer requires payment or personal information early on in the process.
Conclusion: Protecting Yourself from Scams
Scammers targeting veterans are heartless and will use any method to steal your money or personal information. The best way to protect yourself is by staying vigilant and informed. Always be cautious when sharing personal information, especially with unsolicited contacts. Do your research before signing up for any service or making donations, and don’t hesitate to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. By staying aware of the common scams targeting service members, you can protect yourself and your family from fraudsters who seek to take advantage of your service and sacrifice.
