First and foremost – thank you to our military. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for serving. Thank you for what you have done to preserve our democracy and the sanctity of our Constitution. We are so grateful.
Not everyone feels that way. There are scammers who view those who served as suckers who can be scammed out of their money, and they don’t hesitate to take advantage of service people and veterans. Unfortunately, military personnel and veterans reported losing over $350 million to fraud in 2023 according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Scammers will resort to whatever tactic works to get money or personal information. They may pose as ‘fellow military or veterans’. They know how you feel. They understand you like a civilian cannot. They know it’s a hard adjustment. They are right there to help you. But they’re not. They want to gain your trust. Then they want to take advantage of you.
Some scammers offer to help Veterans with their benefits. They don’t want to help Veterans file for benefits. They want to steal their benefits or their personal information. There are legitimate resources to help with filing for your benefits. Seek out the source that is going to help you not steal from you.
So – what can help veterans with education and support?
Military Consumer offers military personnel financial information on all aspects of financial management ranging from scams to earnings and savings to education benefits.
VSafe.gov offers the veteran, the service member, and their family information on fraud and scams. What are the signs? What do you do if you’ve been scammed? Check out the resources that are offered on this website.
The National Veterans Financial Resource Center or FINVET, was created by the VA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention “because financial well-being is related to better mental health and lower risk of suicide”. FINVET’s goal is to help link Veterans to resources that help them better manage their money and keep their money safe therefore helping keep the veteran safe.
AARP’s article on “Common Veteran Scams and How to Avoid Them” lists many scams that are perpetrated against military personnel and veterans. Use caution. *Some scammers pose as soon-to-be-deployed military that need to sell a house. Check this resource for items for sale by military personnel. *If you need help with forms, use a VA-accredited source. *Never pay for a copy of your military records. They’re free. *Do NOT give out your personal information! *Do not be pressured into making a decision. Take your time and process the situation.
Be alert. Scammers are everywhere. They don’t care that you’re military or a veteran. They don’t respect that. They respect your money and what they can gain from having your personal information. Don’t give them the opportunity to get either.
Stay safe!
