Better Business Bureau warns against scams targeting veterans

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

Government programs and benefits are part of supporting U.S. veterans and thanking them for their service, but they can be complex and difficult to understand. Fraudsters 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 your Social Security number.

Government impersonation scams like this aren’t the only way scammers target veterans. The BBB found that Military spouses and veterans are more likely to experience employment fraud.. In 2022, military personnel, military spouses and veterans reported to BBB that they suffered higher average fraud losses ($238) than non-military consumers ($163).

“It is deeply disappointing that scammers are deliberately targeting military veterans who have served our country,” said Michelle L. Corey, president and CEO of the BBB in St. Louis. “The BBB thanks veterans for their service and encourages them to be aware of scams. Knowing the signs of fraud will help you catch it before it happens.”

How to Avoid Veteran Scams:

Research first. No matter how good or official the offer sounds, don’t agree to anything right away without doing your research. Find the program that the person claims to represent. Read reviews on BBB.org or by doing a general internet search. Search the government program for the word “scam” to see if anyone has reported it as a scam. Look at official government sites such as //USA.gov/benefits And //USA.gov/military-assistance to check if the program exists.
Don’t be pressured to register on the spot. Any real government or aid program employee won’t mind if you take some time to think things through and do a little research. Scammers often pressure people to act immediately, claiming that if they take time to think, they will miss their chance. These high pressure tactics are a red flag.
Be careful with unsolicited offers. The government usually contacts you by mail rather than by phone or email. They won’t contact you through a messaging app or social media – if someone contacts you this way and claims to work for the government, it’s a scam. Even if you receive a letter about a government program, be careful if you have not yet requested information about it.
Never pay upfront for a loan or grant. The government will never ask you to do this. You should never pay for free services to veterans, and you shouldn’t have to. pay for the loan before you receive the money.
Beware of mortgage scams. One way scammers target veterans is by promising a special mortgage assistance program. If you receive an offer like this, from the government or not, do thorough research before agreeing to anything.
Never give personal information or money to strangers. Before sharing personal information, especially your Social Security number, make sure you are dealing with a reputable source. Never send money to someone you don’t know and trust.
Report fraud. If you think you have encountered fraud, please report it. BBB Fraud Tracker. Share your experience to protect others. It’s hard to know what to do after being scammed. BBB Fraud Survival Toolkit can help you create a personalized recovery plan and provide guidance specifically for veterans and military personnel.

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