Veterans Can Protect Themselves from Scams with Help from AARP

Did you know that active-duty service members and their families are nearly 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than civilians? Scammers often exploit Veteran’s backgrounds, benefits, and sense of trust. AARP is here to help. We offer resources that can prevent you from losing your hard-earned money.

Imposter scams, when criminals pose as someone or something they’re not, are among the most common and financially devastating forms of fraud. Investment scams are another growing threat, often involving fake day-trading opportunities or phony investment products that promise big returns. Many military personnel have also been targeted by disability-benefit scams and pension poaching.

One common tactic involves fake military charities that appeal to veterans’ patriotism and generosity. If you ever feel pressured to donate immediately, receive an unfamiliar invoice, or get a “thank-you” for a donation you don’t recall making, pause before you give. Take time to research the organization first.

Here are a few ways to ensure the charity you’re donating to is genuine:

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  If you’re on the phone, tell the caller you cannot donate until you’ve done some research, offer to call them back, or simply hang up.
  
• Check resources like CharityWatch, which lists top-rated charities, or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, which identifies organizations that meet 20 standards for accountability.
  
• If someone claims to be raising money on behalf of a legitimate charity, contact that organization directly to verify.
  
• Avoid donating via cash, wire transfer, payment apps, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. These payment methods are difficult to trace and preferred by scammers.
  
• Use a credit card, when possible, it offers the best protection against fraud. Legitimate charities will always provide a receipt, so review your credit card statement to confirm the charge matches your donation.

The AARP Veterans Fraud Center is an online education and resource hub that provides free, up-to-date information on scams targeting veterans, tools to help protect military families, and practical tips for spotting and avoiding consumer fraud.

A range of AARP resources include the AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans Edition, (link the whole title) which offers insights into common scams aimed at veterans and their families. You can also sign up for the AARP Fraud Watch Network, to receive regular updates on the latest scams, plus get tools and advice to help protect yourself and your loved ones.

If you believe you’ve been targeted by fraudsters, call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-903-3360 for free, confidential support and guidance from trained volunteers. You can also get support from the the AARP Fraud Victim Support Group which is a confidential online forum where you can connect with others who have been through similar experiences.

You can also report fraud and scams to the Delaware Attorney General’s office, Division of Consumer Protection (add phone # and/or link or email)

AARP is committed to protecting our veterans and military families from financial fraud. We will continue working to raise awareness and provide critical resources to those who have served. We want all Delawareans to have financial security.

You fought for us. We’re fighting for you.