Consumer Alert
Veterans and scams
As we approach Veterans Day, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. But not everyone has a vet’s best interests in mind. Whether you left the service decades ago or you’re planning your transition to civilian life, scammers will try to get you to send money or share personal information. Scammers also want to get their hands on the valuable benefits you earned through military service. What are some ways to know you’re dealing with a scammer?
First know how scammers operate. Imposter scams come in many varieties but they work the same way: scammers call, text, email, or reach out over social media and pretend to be someone you trust to convince you to send them money. Scammers may pretend to be from a government agency and say you need to pay a fine. Or they may pose as an online love interest who needs you to send money for an expensive medical procedure. The scammer may offer you a job, too, but say you need to pay a fee before you get hired. Scammers may claim to have some affinity with the military to gain your trust so you won’t dig too deep into what they’re saying.
Second, know how scammers ask you to pay. No matter what the story is, only scammers will insist that the only way you can pay is by cash, gift card, cryptocurrency, payment app, or a wire transfer service. These methods make it almost impossible to get your money back, which is why scammers insist you pay that way. Stop. Don’t pay.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll highlight some of the ways scammers try to get at your veterans benefits — and ways you can spot and avoid those scams. One way to recognize Veterans Day is to share the advice about avoiding scams and encourage the veterans you know to sign up for the latest updates to stay a step ahead of scammers.
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Yes, they like to impersonate someone you trust, platoon SGT LDR. Ask a question that only you an him/her would know. That way you will know.
thank you
Thanks for the reminders...
Thanks,as a U.S. Navy Vet this info will be passed on to other Vet oranizations and fellow vet friends of mine.Thanks,again
This is a very important article that should be read by all active-duty military, retired military, veterans and disabled veterans. As the VA Spouse Caregiver of a disabled veteran I have recently been inundated with phone calls, texts and emails from scammers trying to speak with my husband. Not likely as they have to get through me first and that I will never allow. If you have a scam blocker via your cell phone provider use it to block all incoming texts and phone calls. Permanently delete all emails without opening them. I would like to report the scam I received tonight via cell phone from "United Partners" stating they were calling from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). This is a scam. Tell them you KNOW it and hang up. Then use scam blocker to block them from ever calling again. Never open a text unless you know it is from a legitimate source such as the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) who now have a secure website. It is rare to receive a phone call even from the VA now as they use their secure website to communicate regarding appointments, etc. As advised by the CFPB never give ANYONE your personal and financial information by phone call, text or email.
Thank you for your services it is most valuable in helping others to be aware of others tying to steal their funds.
Again, Thank You !!!
I so agree! Our aging and PTSD vets are so vulnerable.
Thank you for sharing this warning information.
SGT Crash Fire Rescue Crew Chief USAF
Nice
Absolutely Outstanding Articles To Protect Our Vetran Consumers. As advocates for vetrans we encourage the FTC to provide this information to every Vetran known to the VA to help especially with those using a Cellphone and email address
In reply to Absolutely Outstanding… by Peace Full Bus…
Recently, I received a call from a caller stating that he was from the "Veteran Assistance Center". First, he addressed me by my first and last name. He then wanted to discuss my home equity home loan. I immediately stopped and challenged him. I knew that the VA does not call veterans regarding home loans. The caller started to "backpedal" and said he did not say he was the VA. I informed the caller, that his attempt to use trigger words or phrases was an attempt to deceive veterans. I put the caller on the defensive by having him admit he was a realtor and started asking him numerous questions. The caller was hesitant to respond to my direct questions and tried numerous times to not answer my direct questions. The caller then stated that he was a financial institution. I hung up. The next day I googled the VA Assistance Center and was not surprised to see that no such title or center existed. Also, I attempted to call this clown several days later, and to my surprise, he either refused to answer the call or blocked my phone number. In closing, do not be afraid to challenge these clowns. If you received such a call ascertain the bogus title and google the information. You can put the clown on hold or pause by getting the bogus title and address. Then let the clown know that you will call him back tomorrow. If the caller seems reluctant then the writing is on the wall. Signed Eric (USAF)
Thanks for the info.
Thanks for the reminders.