Better Business Bureau warns of scams targeting veterans

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Edited News Release/KY3) – This Veterans Day, the Better Business Bureau is warning veterans that scammers may be impersonating government programs.

Government programs and benefits are part of supporting America’s veterans and thanking them for their service, but they can be complicated and difficult to navigate. Scammers know this and take advantage of it.

Scammers typically contact veterans by phone, email, or messaging app, claiming to represent a government program for veterans, such as loan forgiveness, mortgage assistance, or special grants. They ask the veteran to pay a “processing fee” and leave with the money. They may also ask for sensitive information, such as a social security number.

These types of government scams aren’t the only way scammers are targeting veterans. BBB found that Military spouses and veterans are more likely to experience job market scams. In 2022: military members, military spouses and veterans reported to BBB that they suffered higher average losses from fraud ($238) than non-military consumers ($163).

“It is very disappointing that scammers are deliberately targeting military veterans who have served our country,” said Michelle L. Corey, president and CEO of BBB St. Louis. “BBB thanks veterans for their service and urges them to stay aware of scams. Knowing the signs of a scam can help you spot it before it happens.”

This is how you prevent scams targeting veterans:

Research first. No matter how good or official an offer sounds, don’t immediately agree to anything without doing some research. Find the program the person claims to represent. Read reviews on BBB.org or by doing a general search online. Search the government program along with the word “scam” to see if anyone has reported it as fraud. Look at official government websites such as //USA.gov/benefits And //USA.gov/military-assistance to check if the program exists.
Don’t give in to the pressure to sign up on the spot. Any real government or utility employee won’t mind if you need some time to think and do some research. Scammers often pressure people to take action right away, claiming that if they take time to think about it, they will miss their chance. These high-pressure tactics are a red flag.
Be wary of unsolicited offers. The government will usually contact you by post, not by telephone or email. They will not contact you via a messaging app or social media. If someone contacts you this way and claims to work for the government, it is a scam. Even if you receive a letter about a government program, be careful if you haven’t already requested information about it.
Never pay for a loan or subsidy in advance. The government will never ask you to do this. You should never pay for a free service for veterans, and you don’t have to pay a loan before you receive the money.
Beware of mortgage fraud. One of the ways scammers target veterans is by promising a special mortgage assistance program. If you receive such an offer, from the government or otherwise, do your due diligence before agreeing to anything.
Never give personal information or money to a stranger. Make sure you are dealing with a trusted source before sharing any personal information, especially your Social Security number. Never send money to someone you do not know and trust.
Report scams. If you think you have been scammed, please report it BBB scam tracker. Sharing your experience can help protect others. It’s hard to know what to do after a scam. BBBs Scam Survival Toolkit can help you create a customized recovery plan and offers guidance specifically for veterans and military personnel.

If you would like to report a correction or typo, please send an email [email protected]. Please include the item information in the subject line of the email.