Protecting Veterans from fraud
Learn more about common scams, protecting yourself, reporting fraud, and getting help
Why this matters to you
The Federal Trade Commission estimated that in 2022 alone, Veterans reported $292 million in losses to fraud. Scammers continue to take advantage of new opportunities to commit fraud, and fraud attempts targeting Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors are on the rise.
This page is for
- All Veterans
- Family members and caregivers
- Service members
What you can do
Fight back with knowledge about common scams targeting Veterans
Scammers often target Veterans because they have access to benefits and resources. Learn more about protecting yourself against common fraud schemes, including those related to claims and employment assistance.
Memorialization scams often include offers to provide memorial and funeral services with high rates and fees. This resource offers tips to help you and your family avoid memorialization fraud.
Employment scams may include business or job opportunities that use the illusion of prospects to manipulate or steal from you. This resource offers tips to avoid common employment scams.
There are claims predators who take advantage of Veterans by offering help with benefits claims while exploiting trust, financial resources. Learn more on safely claiming your benefits.
Stories
Read the latest news about protecting yourself from fraud
These featured blog posts discuss employment, gaming, and tax scams and what you can do to avoid them, protect yourself.
Have you ever spent money on a service only to realize it was offered for free? These types of practices may not be illegal scams, but they can prey on unsuspecting people and cause them to pay unnecessary fees.
As the video gaming industry has grown in recent years, predatory actors have found ways to target online gamers on dedicated platforms. The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau reports American consumers spent nearly $57 billion on gaming in 2023, which have the potential to convert dollars to virtual currencies or other gaming assets.
Downloadable resources
Download valuable tips on protecting yourself from fraud attempts
These resources share important facts and tips to avoid scams, prevent fraud related to natural disasters and emergencies, and navigate gaming fraud.
Be Vigilant of Scams
Important facts on Veteran-targeted fraud and tips about fraud prevention, help, and reporting.
Download (PDF)Prevent Natural Disaster, Emergency Related Fraud
Tips on protecting yourself from housing scams after a natural disaster or emergency.
Download (PDF)Navigate Gaming Fraud
Tips on navigating gaming fraud and safeguarding your experience.
Download (PDF)FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- To report suspected fraud or scams, call the VSAFE Fraud Hotline: 1-833-38V-SAFE (8-7233).
- To find resources about fraud targeting you, learn the signs of a scam, get advice about what to do, and learn how to report scams and identity theft, visit www.vsafe.gov.
Imposter scams account for up to 40% of the total fraud reported by military members. For more information, visit AARP's blog on Top Scams Targeting Veterans.
Tax season is a time for many to diligently manage finances. It’s also a period when scams and fraudsters are on the prowl, targeting unsuspecting individuals, including Veterans and their families. Learn more about staying vigilant on tax fraudulent activities.
Scammers may pressure you to act immediately to share sensitive information. Scammers pretend to be from an organization or person you know. They may use payments that are hard to trace like gift cards or electronic banking apps.
Resist the pressure to act immediately. Stop and talk to someone you trust. Protect your personal or financial information in response to a request that you didn’t expect, even if the caller has some of your personal information.
Activate multi-factor authentication on your accounts. Update your software. Do not click. More than 90% of successful cyber-attacks start with a phishing email. Use strong passwords. Vary your login information.
- Stop all contact with the individual(s) who contacted you.
- Save all information or messages about the individual(s) who contacted you in case you need to take legal action.
- If you provided financial information, like your credit card number or bank account information, contact your bank or credit card company right away. They may be able to help you cancel the transaction or get your money back.
- If you sent funds via gift card or money transfer, report the scam to the issuer. They may be able to help you stop the transaction.
- If you provided personal information, like your Social Security number, you may be at risk for identity theft. Report identify theft and get a recovery plan at https://www.identitytheft.gov.
- Keep an eye on your credit report and financial accounts for any unusual activity and consider placing a freeze on your credit.
Claims predators are “bad actors” that try to unlawfully charge Veterans a fee to “help” process claims with VA. They often use aggressive communication techniques with promises of expedited claims processing times and higher disability ratings in exchange for high fees. To protect your benefits and avoid unlawful fees, we urge you to only use VA accredited attorneys, claims agents, and Veterans Service Organization representatives when filing for benefits. If you suspect a representative acted unlawfully or unethically while assisting you in filing a VA benefits claim, file a report at VSAFE.gov or call 833-38V-SAFE
Our fraud prevention tip sheet is available in Spanish and Tagalog.
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File a claim for disability compensation for conditions related to your military service, and manage your benefits over time.