Protecting Those Who Served: A Veteran’s Guide to Avoiding Scams  

Veterans shouldn’t have to fight twice. Learn how to protect your hard-earned benefits from scammers.

Aside from our respect, veterans have earned benefits, financial stability, and peace of mind. Scammers often target veterans and their rewards. Here’s a breakdown of common scams targeting veterans, how they work, and what you can do to stay safe.

1. Impersonation Scams: “Update Your VA File”

How it Works

• Scammers pretend to be from the VA or Department of Defense, saying your benefits are at risk. 
• You receive a call, email or text urging you to act fast or you will lose your benefits.
• Scammers sound official and may use fake ID numbers to trick you.

Watch For:

• Requests for your Social Security number or banking information.
• Threats of benefit suspension.
• Emails coming from domains other than .gov.

What to do Next:

• Do not directly respond.
• Call gov or visit their website.

2. VA Loan and Refinance Scams

How it Works

• Scammers promise ultra-low interest rates or “exclusive veteran deals” to get you to pay upfront fees.
• You’ve been contacted out of the blue with a refinance offer.
• They ask for a fee before any processing can begin.

Watch For:

• Cold calls or unsolicited emails.
• Pressure to act quickly.
• Requests for wire transfers or gift card payments.

What to do Next:

• Verify any mortgage company using the VA’s lender search tool before engaging

3. Pension Poaching and Benefits Buyouts

How it Works

• Scammers target older veterans, offering to “maximize” or “restructure” pension benefits—often at a high cost.
• They pose as financial advisors and suggest transferring assets or selling future benefits for a lump sum.

Watch For:

• Promises of higher monthly payouts.
• Advisors who aren’t VA accredited.
• Unsolicited offers to “optimize” your pension.

What to do Next:

• Verify credentials using the VA accreditation search before sharing any personal or financial information.

4. Fake Charities Preying on Veterans

How it Works

• Scammers set up fake nonprofits claiming to support veterans, often using emotional appeals to get donations.
• You may be asked to give to a cause like “helping homeless vets” or “supporting wounded warriors,” but the money never reaches them.

Watch For:

• No listing on Charity Navigator or Guidestar.
• High-pressure donation tactics.
• Vague mission statements and unverifiable success stories.

What to do Next:

• Research before donating. Legitimate charities are transparent about their finances and impact.

5. Job and Employment Scams

How it Works

• Scammers target veterans looking for civilian jobs, offering fake positions that require upfront fees or personal information.
• You may be offered a “veteran-preferred” job but asked to pay for training or provide sensitive information before starting. 

Watch For:

• Requests for your Social Security number or bank details early in the process.
• Payment demands for equipment, training, or onboarding.
• Emails from generic domains like Gmail or Yahoo.

What to do Next:

• Verify job listings on official company websites or trusted platforms before responding

6. Phishing via Fake Government or Agency Emails

Scammers send emails that mimic official communications, complete with logos and urgent warnings.

How it Works

• Scammers send emails that look official, often using logos and urgent warnings.
• You may be told your account is locked or benefits are suspended.
• The email includes a link to “fix” the issue, which can lead to malware or phishing sites. 

Watch For:

• Misspelled URLs or sender addresses.
• Requests to “update your profile.”
• Attachments from unknown sources.

What to do Next:

• Do not click links or open attachments. Go directly to the agency’s official website or call their verified number

7. Housing and Rental Scams Near Military Bases

How it Works

• PCS orders and relocations make veterans targets for fake rental listings.
• You may find a great rental online, but the “landlord” asks for a deposit before you can see the property.

Watch For:

• No in-person tours allowed.
• Pressure to send money quickly.
• Listings that seem too good to be true.

What to do Next:

• Use base-affiliated housing offices or trusted property platforms.
• Never send money without verifying the listing.

8. “Claims Assistance” Scams

How it Works

• Scammers pose as helpers for veterans filing benefit claims, charging fees for services that are free through the VA.
• You may be promised faster approval or higher payouts if you pay a fee for assistance.

Watch For:

• Individuals not listed in the VA’s accreditation database.
• Claims of “inside access” or “expedited processing.”
• Upfront fees for services that should be free.

What to do Next:

• Always use VA-accredited representatives for claims assistance—it’s free and secure

Veterans deserve protection–not exploitation. By staying informed and skeptical of unsolicited offers, you can safeguard your benefits, finances, and peace of mind. If you suspect fraud, report it to the FTC, VA, or VSAFE.gov.