November 11 is Veterans Day — a time to pause and honor all those who have served and are serving in our nation’s military. The Postal Inspection Service and its Operation Protect Veterans campaign (see uspis.gov/veterans) are encouraging everyone to become informed about scams targeting veterans and spread the word to protect them.
According to a survey by AARP, veterans are twice as likely as members of the general public to be victims of scams. “Scammers are very good at what they do. They know that service members share a special bond and have special benefits related to their service, and they are constantly recycling old scams and taking advantage of current circumstances — such as COVID-19 — to create new scams to steal veterans’ hard-earned dollars,” said Postal Inspector and Marine Corps veteran Carroll Harris.
Some of the scams targeting veterans include:
n Romance scams. Veterans and active-duty service members are tempting targets for “catfishing” romance scams. Scammers will use a picture of a service member posted online and create fake dating profiles to lure unsuspecting singles into giving up personally identifiable information and money.
n Veterans Administration (VA) loan scams. Scammers offer to refinance VA loans at extremely low rates in an attempt to collect personal information or fees.
n Update your file scam. An imposter, claiming to be from a government agency, attempts to get a veteran‘s personal information by “updating their file” to maintain their benefits.
n Secret veteran benefits scam. Veterans are told they qualify for “secret” government programs or benefits that offer thousands of dollars — but first, the scammers attempt to collect personal information or fees.
n Pension poaching scam. Scammers offer veterans lump sum payments upfront, in exchange for signing over their future monthly benefit checks.
n Aid and attendance scam. Veterans (or their family members) receive an offer to move their assets into a living trust so they can qualify for financial assisted-Iiving benefits.
What can veterans do to protect themselves?
n Don’t let anyone pressure you to take action. If you are dealing with a legitimate organization, they won’t pressure you to act before you have had a chance to check information or think about it. If they do, just say “no” and hang up.
n Don’t give anyone you don‘t know well your personal information. This includes bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and your Social Security number.
n Ask to see it in writing first. Ask anyone soliciting you for money to send the details in writing. This will give you a chance to review the offer before taking action.
n Ask a trusted family member or friend. Talk to a trusted relative or friend about any offers before taking action. They’ll help you make an informed decision.
n Do your homework. Check out any offer by contacting the following resources:
n The AARP FraudWatch Hotline,
n Your state’s attorney general’s office,
n The Better Business Bureau, or
n Your local Veterans Affairs office.
You can also get credible information on how to qualify for veterans’ benefits by contacting your state Veterans Affairs agency. Visit nasdva.us, then click Links.
If you or a veteran you know believe you have been an unwitting participant in a scam, protect other veterans by reporting it:
n Contact your local police station.
n Call AARP at 877-908-3360 or send an email to www.protectveterans@aarp.
n Call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 or file a report at uspis.gov/report.
— Communications, Governance, and Strategy,
U.S. Postal Inspection Service, 11-4-21
