LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Americans take Veterans Day to honor and thank veterans and military members for their service. Meanwhile, scammers try to snatch their benefits every day.
Fraudsters know veterans are entitled to a variety of benefits and want to cash in on them.
According to an AARP study, 78 percent of veterans were targeted by scams. The Federal Trade Commission said veterans lost over $350 million to fraud in 2023.
40% of the lost money went to imposter scams. This is when someone pretends to be someone else to steal money or personal and financial information.
To protect veterans, current military members and their families from fraud and scams, the US Department of Veterans Affairs created VSAFE.gov earlier this year.
The website and hotline (1-833-388-7233) list common scams targeting veterans, and experts also share tips and resources to help them avoid falling victim to these scams.
VSAFE explains veterans and service members can avoid becoming victims of scams by being cautious about what they post on social media. Criminals can find and use the information to lure victims in.
Never send money or share any personal information to anyone who called, texted, or emailed with claims to be from a government agency like the VA or the Social Security Administration.
Instead, VSAFE advises veterans to find the government agency’s contact information and reach them directly there.
Fraudsters may also reach out and claim they can help veterans sign up for benefits for a cut or an upfront fee. Ignore those requests. The VA can help you for free.
Con artists go after veterans’ housing and home loans, too. VSAFE.gov has a tab that urges all veterans to research before signing any documents.
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