Top Warning Signs for Veterans Scams

No one is immune from scams, and that includes our nation’s veterans. Scammers specifically target veterans, assuming they have a regular stream of income from VA benefits. Scams can involve going after pension or disability benefits, fake requests for personal information, charity scams, fake rebate offers, and more. It is important that you stay vigilant. Here are a few warning signs to be aware of in case you encounter a potential scammer.

• Scammers will call purporting to be from the VA to request personal information like your Social Security number. The VA will not ask for personal data by phone, text, or email.
  
• Be aware of an unsolicited call or online message offers to help you increase your benefits or access little-known government programs.
  
• Be alert if you get a high-pressure fundraising call from a veteran’s charity you have not previously supported or interact with.
  
• Stay vigilant if you see a job ad recruits veterans for “previously undisclosed” federal government posts.
  

You can use websites like charitynavigator.org to check to see if the organization you are donating to is legit. Remember to trust your instincts. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. For more information, please visit www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or https://www.atlanta.va.gov/.