Veterans and active-duty service members are being warned about scams involving VA benefits, pensions and personal information ahead of Veterans Day.
New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the warning Monday and released a new guide to help military families recognize fraud, according to a news release.
The attorney general’s office said military households are consistent targets because of their steady income, frequent relocations and the complexity of the Veterans Affairs system. Service members also face particular stakes when credit problems affect security clearances or promotions.
Watch for benefits fees and false promises
The alert warns about people who unlawfully or fraudulently charge veterans to prepare initial VA claims. Those offers may promise faster processing or larger benefits while imposing high fees.
Another scheme, known as pension poaching, persuades veterans to forward pension money in exchange for exaggerated or false promises of immediate cash. Active-duty service members also may encounter supposed special deals on low-quality, overpriced products or financing presented in per-pay-period amounts.
Other scams rely on false identities. Someone posing as a government agency, relative or business may ask for money or personal information. Fake dating and social media profiles can build trust before making similar requests.
The office also warned about fake or predatory charities claiming to help veterans and service members. Fraudulent credit-monitoring offers target deployed service members by promising protection against identity theft, then using their information to open accounts and make purchases.
Six steps to protect information and money
James urged veterans, service members and their families to use a six-part checklist, summarized by the acronym PATROL:
- Protect personal data. Never share a Defense Finance Accounting Service myPay login, a VA.gov login or other sensitive information.
- Avoid responding to unexpected emails, texts, calls or social media messages, and avoid clicking their links.
- Test benefits-related messages by checking an official source, such as an online VA account or an official hotline.
- Reject sales tactics that pressure people to act urgently.
- Obtain and review credit reports regularly.
- Locate someone trusted and talk with that person before giving anyone money or information.
James encouraged anyone who encounters suspected fraud targeting the military community to report it to her office.
More information and reporting options are available in the attorney general’s military scams guide. The office’s complaint hotline is 1-800-771-7755.
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