Online Resource Center Can Help to Protect Veterans Against Rising Fraud

Free Resources Identify Top Scams Facing Ohio’s Military Community and Ways to Fight Back

Ohio’s 864,923 military veterans and active-duty service members are at risk of being targeted by scammers. Today, AARP launched the AARP Veterans Fraud Center, a new online education and resource center to help protect veterans, service members, and their families against fraud.

According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population. These individuals lost more than $267 million in 2021, up from $122 million in 2020 (a 118% increase), according to the Federal Trade Commission.

“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said State Director Holly Holtzen. “AARP Ohio has launched this effort to alert veterans and their families of the latest scams and how to avoid them.”

Top scams aimed at veterans include:

• Benefit Buyouts: Turning over U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension and/or disability benefits for a supposed lump-sum payment that never materializes (47%).
• Fraudulent records scam: Paying for updated personal military records (32%).
• The fake charitable giving request: Donating to fake veteran charities (32%).

Free resources in the AARP Veterans Fraud Center include:

• A new AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, highlighting tips to detect the most common ways con artists target veterans and military families;
• The AARP Fraud Watch Network and Scam-Tracking Map; and
• Operation Protect Veterans—a joint program of the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Some top tips AARP’s Fraud Watch Network recommends include: signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking service; using strong and unique passwords for each online account; using two-factor authentication when available; and placing a free security freeze on credit reports at each of the three major credit bureaus. Also, veterans never have to pay for their service records or earned benefits—if told otherwise, it’s a scam.

• April 29 AARP Fraud Watch Shred Event in Cincinnati
  Shredding personal and financial documents is one of the best methods to avoid identity theft. This month, AARP invites you to safely dispose of your sensitive documents without even leaving your car. AARP in Cincinnati and the AARP Fraud Watch Network are sponsoring a free, drive-thru, contactless shred event to help fight fraud from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, April 29, 2022 in Cincinnati’s Oakley neighborhood. For more information and to reserve your spot here.

• Looking for a speaker? Request an AARP Fraud Watch Presentation
  AARP Ohio’s Volunteer Speakers Bureau has skilled volunteers trained to help you fight and prevent fraud. Our speakers provide FREE presentations via Zoom or in-person to groups throughout the state, including community organizations, private businesses, Veteran’s organizations, houses of worship, AARP Chapters and more. In addition to the latest tips on fraud, you can choose from various presentations that address the issues that matter most to Ohioans 50+. If you are interested in requesting a speaker, check out the topics currently available by visiting AARP Ohio's Speaker Bureau online or by calling toll-free 866-389-5653.

To learn more about the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and to download a free copy of the new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, visit aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter. For additional resources and information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, including caregiving, competing in today’s job market, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit aarp.org/veterans.

NOTE: The FTC statistics in the second paragraph were updated.