FTC Warning: Veterans Scams & Fraud Protection Guide

FTC Warning: Veterans Are Being Targeted by Benefits and Identity Scams — What to Watch For

The FTC and VA are warning veterans about a surge in scams targeting those applying for benefits, with scammers posing as VA representatives to steal personal information and money. Common schemes include fake “Veterans Savings Program” postcards claiming extra benefits, fraudulent appointment letters demanding upfront payment, and offers to help with claims for a fee — which the VA provides for free. Veterans should never pay to apply for benefits, verify all unsolicited communications through official VA channels, and report suspected fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or through VSAFE.gov .

Quick Facts

Why Scammers Target Veterans

Veterans Have Valuable Benefits

Scammers target veterans because they have access to federal benefits that the general population does not. “With the federal dollars behind those programs, a lot of the scams are targeting people for the sake of getting to their entitlements, to the things that they’ve earned,” says cybersecurity expert Jerod Brennan .

Widespread Problem

In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission received reports from nearly 100,000 military consumers about fraud attempts. Another 100,000 reported identity theft or related scams . The VA has confirmed that bad actors are “increasingly targeting Veterans due to their association with government benefits and personal information with schemes designed to steal their personal information, financial resources and benefits” .

Current Scams Targeting Veterans

1. The “Veterans Savings Program” Postcard Scam

A new scam involves fraudulent postcards claiming veterans or their spouses are entitled to “extra VA benefits,” CHAMPVA, TRICARE, or dental coverage regardless of disability rating .

How it works:

• Scammers send postcards creating a sense of urgency

• They pressure you to call within 5 days

• Once you call, they use flattery about your service to gain trust

• They attempt to obtain your Social Security Number, bank account details, and other sensitive information 

What to do: Refuse to engage. Do not call unverified numbers. Hang up immediately on unsolicited calls .

2. Fake VA Appointment Letters

Scammers are sending fake VA appointment letters and demanding upfront payment for appointments. VA and Community Care appointments are always free — veterans should never pay before or at the time of the visit .

What to do: Contact your local VA medical center directly to verify any appointment. Do not send money or share personal information .

3. Benefits Application Fee Scams

Scammers pretend to be with the VA or claim to be “approved by the VA” to help with benefit applications. They offer to help you apply for benefits you’re “missing,” get a 100% disability rating, or speed up the claims process — all for a fee .

What to do: Never pay to apply for VA benefits. Apply directly to the VA. Only scammers guarantee you’ll get benefits or offer to help you skip the line .

4. “Free Athletic Shoes” Scam

VA has warned about fraudulent messages circulating that falsely claim veterans can receive free athletic shoes from VA. This is not legitimate — VA is not offering free sneakers .

What to do: Do not respond, click any links, or provide personal information .

5. Pension Poaching

Pension poaching is a financial scam where bad actors advise veterans to transfer assets or add unnecessary expenses to adjust their income to qualify for VA pension or survivors’ pension benefits .

Why it’s dangerous: Obtaining VA benefits through deceptive practices may require veterans — not the scammers — to repay any falsified amounts .

6. Job Scams Targeting Homeless Veterans

VA has issued warnings about job scams targeting unhoused veterans. Fraudulent offers promise easy money and flexible work-from-home opportunities but require upfront payments for materials, training, or certifications that have no value .

What to do: Research companies online. Speak with a trusted person before accepting an offer. Never pay upfront for employment .

7. Fraudulent Overpayment Notifications

Scammers pretend to be VA employees and send fake texts, emails, or phone calls telling veterans they owe the VA money due to overpayments .

What to do: Contact VA directly at 1-800-827-1000 to verify any payment discrepancies .

8. Payment Redirect/Direct Deposit Fraud

Veterans are warned against depositing VA benefits directly into a family member’s or caregiver’s bank account unless they are a court-appointed representative or VA-accredited fiduciary .

Common Scam Tactics

The VA has identified several common tactics scammers use :

How to Protect Yourself

Never Share Personal Information

• Do not share Social Security Numbers, VA claim numbers, or financial information unless you are confident about the requester’s identity 

• Never click links or download attachments from unknown sources 

• Shred documents containing personal information before disposal 

Verify Before You Trust

• Official VA communications come through secure, traceable means. Be wary of communications that do not follow usual protocols 

• Always verify the identity of anyone contacting you asking for personal information. Use official websites or known phone numbers to confirm their identities 

• VA representatives will never ask for personal information or payments over the phone or via unsolicited emails 

Know the Red Flags

• Never pay to apply for VA benefits. Whether you apply online or in person at a VA Regional Office, the VA helps you for free 

• Work with VA-accredited representatives. Use the VA’s Accreditation Search tool to verify anyone helping you is actually approved by the VA 

• Only scammers guarantee you’ll get benefits or offer to help you skip the line 

Be Skeptical of Unusual Payment Methods

• Be cautious if asked to make payments using unconventional methods like wire transfers, bitcoin, prepaid debit cards, or gift cards. Legitimate organizations do not request payments this way 

How to Report Scams

What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted

If you miss a VA benefits payment, notice a discrepancy, or suspect suspicious activity with your direct deposit, contact VA immediately at 1-800-827-1000 .

Where to Report Fraud

Identity Theft Recovery

If you suspect identity theft, report it and get a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov .

Common Questions

1. Why do scammers target veterans?

Scammers target veterans because they have access to federal benefits and entitlements. In 2024, nearly 100,000 military consumers reported fraud attempts to the FTC . Veterans’ government benefits and personal information make them valuable targets for identity theft and financial fraud.

2. Does the VA charge a fee to apply for benefits?

No. The VA never charges a fee to apply for benefits. Whether you apply online or in person, the VA helps you gather and develop evidence to support your initial claim for free . Only scammers charge fees for VA benefit applications.

3. What is the “Veterans Savings Program” postcard scam?

Scammers send fraudulent postcards claiming veterans are entitled to extra VA benefits, CHAMPVA, or TRICARE coverage. The postcards pressure you to call within 5 days. When you call, scammers attempt to steal your Social Security Number and bank details .

4. How do I know if someone is a legitimate VA representative?

Use the VA’s Accreditation Search tool at VA.gov to verify representatives. Legitimate VA representatives never charge fees for assistance and never ask for personal information over the phone or via unsolicited emails. When in doubt, call VA directly at 1-800-827-1000 .

5. What is “pension poaching”?

Pension poaching is a scam where bad actors advise veterans to transfer assets or add unnecessary home health care expenses to adjust their income and qualify for VA pension benefits. This is deceptive, and veterans may be forced to repay falsified amounts .

6. Are job scams targeting veterans?

Yes. VA has warned about job scams targeting veterans, especially homeless veterans. Scammers offer work-from-home opportunities with high pay for minimal effort, then ask for upfront payments for materials, training, or certifications that have no value .

7. What should I do if I receive a suspicious message about VA benefits?

Do not respond, do not click any links, and do not provide any personal information. Verify by calling VA directly at 1-800-827-1000. Report suspicious communications to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov .

8. What is the difference between a VSO and a scammer?

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) are accredited by the VA to provide free claims assistance. They never charge fees for their help. Use the VA’s Accreditation Search tool to verify a representative is legitimate .

9. How can I remove my personal information from the internet?

Experts recommend minimizing your digital footprint. Websites like Delete Me can help you submit requests to be removed from data broker sites. This can help protect your information from scammers who find veteran status information online .

10. What is VSAFE.gov?

VSAFE.gov is a government website where veterans can report suspected fraud, identity theft, and scams targeting veterans. You can also call 833-38V-SAFE (833-388-7233) .

11. Should I deposit VA benefits into my caregiver’s bank account?

No. The VA advises against depositing benefits into a bank account that does not have the veteran’s name on it. Benefits should be deposited into an account the veteran can access and control .

12. What if I’ve already given information to a scammer?

Contact VA immediately at 1-800-827-1000. Report the fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or through VSAFE.gov. For identity theft, visit IdentityTheft.gov to create a recovery plan .

Key Takeaways

• Scammers are increasingly targeting veterans for their benefits, personal information, and federal entitlements 

• Never pay to apply for VA benefits — the VA and accredited VSOs provide this service for free 

• Watch for fake postcards, appointment letters, and offers to “skip the line” — these are all scams 

• Only scammers guarantee you’ll get benefits — not even accredited representatives can do that 

• VA representatives never ask for personal information or payments over the phone or via unsolicited emails 

• Verify unsolicited communications by calling VA directly at 1-800-827-1000 

• Report suspected fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or through VSAFE.gov at 833-38V-SAFE 

• Protect your identity by shredding documents, never sharing login credentials, and minimizing your digital footprint 

• Deposit VA benefits only into accounts with your name on them for full protection 

• Stay informed about the latest scams targeting veterans through VA News and the FTC 

Official Resources

• Report Fraud to FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov

• Report Identity Theft: IdentityTheft.gov

• VSAFE Fraud Reporting: VSAFE.gov or 833-38V-SAFE

• VA Main Number: 1-800-827-1000

• VA Accreditation Search: VA.gov (search “Accreditation Search”)

• VA OIG Hotline: 800-488-8244

• Integrity and Compliance Helpline: 866-842-4357

• Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (Press 1)

• Military Consumer Website: MilitaryConsumer.gov

• VA News Fraud Alerts: news.va.gov