Postcard Scam: Veteran Savings Program
Have you received a “Veterans Savings Program” postcard? It’s not from VA. It’s a scam! The latest scam circulating involves fraudulent postcards claiming you (or your spouse) are entitled to “extra VA benefits” or additional payments, including CHAMPVA, TRICARE, and dental coverage, regardless of a VA disability rating.
These scammers misrepresent themselves as being affiliated with VA. They might instill a sense of urgency, pressuring you to contact them within five days, or as soon as possible. Their goal is to get you to call the number provided. Once you do, they will often use flattery and praise of your military service to gain trust. The scammer will attempt to obtain personal identifying information like your Social Security number and other sensitive information.
VA urges you to remain vigilant against these fraudulent attempts to steal personal information. Refuse to engage with bad actors. Do not call unverified numbers. Hang up immediately if you are contacted by unsolicited numbers.
Prevent Survivor Scams: Protect loved one’s entitlements
Survivors are often targeted by scammers who exploit their grief, patriotism, and access to government benefits. Scammers know that survivors may qualify for benefits such as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, education benefits, home loan guaranty, and Survivors Pension. Scammers frequently use psychological manipulation and technology to deceive victims and employ tactics such as:
- Emotional Exploitation
- Targeting Vulnerable Individuals
- Urgency and Pressure
Learn more about survivor benefits scams.
Overpayment Scam
Did someone contact you demanding you repay a debt?
If you receive a letter or any communication about overpayment of VA benefits, utilize the VA Health and Benefits mobile app to view debt balances related to disability compensation, pension, and education benefits. The app will provide clear information on whether you have a debt. If you find you do owe money, VA’s Debt Management Center (DMC) offers many repayment options. Scammers are pretending to be VA representatives alleging you have a substantial debt due to overpayment that must be repaid. It is a scam! The scammer uses high pressure tactics to insist the debt must be repaid immediately via wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other non-traditional payment methods. VA will never demand Veterans repay their debts in full up-front, as VA offers many flexible payment plans at no additional cost. Official VA DMC communication will provide specific details about the debt, offer secure payment through www.pay.va.gov,and your appeal or waiver rights.
Pension Poaching: Spot a Scam to Stop a Scam
Pension Poaching is the financial exploitation by an “advisor” who profits by artificially qualifying a claimant for VA Pension benefits. The scheme often involves financial maneuvers such as advising claimants to falsely report income or to hide their assets in trusts or annuity products, resulting in lost investments and lucrative upfront fees paid to the advisor. Be suspicious if someone offers to shift your assets around to “help” you qualify for VA Pension, Survivors Pension, or Special Monthly Pension (also known as Aid and Attendance or Housebound). You may be required to repay unearned benefits to the government. The “advisor” may also encourage you to directly deposit benefits into their account instead of your own. Benefits payments should only be deposited into the account of the beneficiary or that of the appointed fiduciary.
Military Consumer Protection Month
Military Consumer Protection Month is recognized every July and is led by the Federal Trade Commission and other Federal agencies and organizations to address the unique risks facing military communities in an effort to protect Service members, Veterans, and their families from financial scams and fraud. Military families are frequently targeted because of frequent relocations, anticipated stable income, government benefits, a strong sense of trust and service. Scammers target the military community with rental housing scams, job scams, and identity theft schemes. Sign up for Military Consumer’s free scam alerts to get the latest advice about scams from the FTC.
Let's unite as fraud fighters to safeguard the well-deserved benefits of the nation's heroes.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to protecting you and your benefits from fraud and scams. We monitor the evolving scams and fraud trends and share this critical information with you.
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