Unfortunately, being a veteran does not exclude you from being the target of a scam. Apparently, there is no honor among thieves as the AARP Fraud Network announces that “1 in 3 current or former military personnel have been targeted by disability-benefit scams.” Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families are 40% more likely to lose money by a scam than their civilian counterparts.
That means scammers are not just calling random people. They are looking for groups they think will trust them. Veterans may be more likely to answer a call, open a message, or listen to a pitch that sounds official. Scammers know that military service comes with special benefits, records, and programs. They use that to make their lies sound real.
According to the AARP’s Watchdog Alert Handbook, Veterans Edition, “Veterans and military losses more than doubled in one year to $267 million in 2021 from $102 million in 2020. Their median fraud loss per incident was $600 in 2021 — $100 higher per scam than all consumers.” One of the reasons criminals are so successful in their scams is that they use military jargon and specific military guidelines to develop their pitch, so they sound legitimate.
That is why it helps to slow down and verify before you act. A scammer may use words that sound official. They may mention your service, your branch, your discharge, or your benefits. They may sound confident and urgent. But sounding official is not the same as being official. If someone pressures you to act right away, that is a warning sign.
Pension Poaching is a scam targeting veterans where the caller promises to help increase retirement funds or obtain additional benefits from the VA. If someone offers to do this for you, check the VA’s database or call 855-578-5492 to see if that person is VA-accredited and has the required training to complete and submit claims.
This is an important step because not everyone who offers help is allowed to handle VA claims. A VA-accredited person has met the rules needed to help. A scammer may promise a bigger check, faster results, or special access. They may ask you to sign papers you do not understand. They may charge money up front. If that happens, stop and check first.
Benefits Buyouts involve offers to purchase your benefits in one lump sum…but then you never receive the lump-sum payment or it’s only a fraction of the value of your benefits.
These offers can sound tempting, especially if money is tight. A caller may say you can get cash now instead of waiting. But your benefits are there to support you over time. If someone tries to buy them, think carefully about the long-term loss. Read every paper before you sign it. If the offer is rushed or confusing, that is another warning sign.
The Records Scheme involves charging you to access or update your DD 214. By law, this service is free and you should never have to pay for it.
Your DD 214 is an important record. You may need it for benefits, housing, or proof of service. A scammer may pretend they can get it faster or keep it safe for you. They may ask for a fee to send it, store it, or update it. But by law, this service is free. If anyone asks for payment, that is a strong sign to walk away.
There are also health care scams where you are offered medical equipment that never arrives but allows the caller to obtain your personal information and steal your ID.
Sometimes the scam looks like a free brace, test kit, wheelchair, or other medical item. The caller may ask for your Social Security number, Medicare number, or bank information to “process” the order. In reality, they may use that information to steal your identity or bill your insurance for items you never got. Never give personal information just because someone says they are calling about health care.
The G.I. Bill Education Marketing Scam involves marketing practices that direct you to expensive for-profit educational institutions. The VA offers a comparison tool to help you locate a school and determine your benefits: V A.gov/education .
If you are thinking about school, take your time. A school may promise fast training, easy enrollment, or special support for veterans. Before you sign up, ask about the full cost, transfer credits, graduation rates, and whether the program fits your goals. Use the VA comparison tool to help you compare schools and benefits. The safest choice is the one you understand before you commit.
Rx Drug Assistance scams involve offers of prescription drugs at discounted prices…but you never receive the drugs, and the scammers have your personal information and are able to steal your identity. You also don’t know exactly what is in the medications you are sent if they do arrive.
Medicine scams can be dangerous in more than one way. You may lose money, give away your personal information, or receive drugs that are not safe. If you need help paying for prescriptions, work only with trusted doctors, pharmacies, and benefit programs. Be careful with online offers and cold calls. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
VA Phishing works by having a caller claim to be a VA Representative needing your personal information to update records. If you get a call asking for information, hang up and call the VA at 800-MyVA 411 (800-698-2411).
This is one of the simplest and best safety steps: do not trust the caller ID. Scammers can fake phone numbers and names. They may know a few facts about you and use them to sound real. If you are asked for information, do not give it out right away. Hang up, look up the number yourself, and call back using a trusted number. Never feel rude for protecting your records.
There are many more ways you can be scammed out of your benefits. For more information, check out AARP’s Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans Edition.
There are also some general habits that can help with almost any scam. Keep these in mind:
- Do not share your Social Security number, bank account, Medicare number, or VA login unless you started the contact and know it is safe.
- Take your time. Scammers often try to create fear or urgency.
- Ask for the name, phone number, and company name, then check it on your own.
- Talk with someone you trust before you sign anything or send money.
- Be careful with emails, texts, and social media messages that ask you to click a link or call a number.
- If money or benefits are involved, get a second opinion before you act.
If you think you may have been targeted, save any messages, write down the phone number, and keep copies of papers or receipts. That can help if you need to report the scam later. If you already shared personal information, contact your bank or credit card company right away. You may also want to change passwords if any accounts could be at risk.
At Disability Network Lakeshore, we know that scams are only one more barrier people face when they are trying to live independently and protect their benefits. Our services are free, and we can help you connect with resources, understand your options, and find support. If you have questions or want help talking through a problem, call us at (616) 396-5326.