How the military community can avoid scams and fraud

By Editor | August 21, 2024

NEWS FROM THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

Each year, scammers manipulate millions of American consumers to steal billions of dollars through various schemes.
Certain groups are more vulnerable to falling for highly customized tactics, the military community being one of the most targeted.
The Better Business Bureau is working to raise awareness of some of the most common scams reported to BBB Scam Tracker from the military community.
Government Impostors
In contrast to the general public, who typically only interact with a government agency a few times a year, military community members are in constant communication with multiple agencies. Scammers capitalize on this familiarity to impersonate VA representatives, military liaisons, or other individuals that a military community member would expect to interact with.
It is essential to understand how official representatives will communicate with military community members to avoid these schemes. Many agencies have specific policies that prohibit them from asking for or providing sensitive personal information except through secured online portals and systems. Always verify these situations with the appropriate agency by contacting them through a known and trusted method.
VA Benefits and Sponsored Programs
Serving in the military provides access to many benefits and programs. However, applying for and receiving some of these benefits can be complicated. Many legitimate, reputable businesses specialize in guiding military members through the steps to receive benefits, such as VA home loans, disability, or education – but there are also unethical actors with more selfish motives. Through unsubstantiated guarantees, emotional manipulation, or other deceptive practices, these scammers may charge exorbitant fees to apply for free programs, falsify official documents, or collect personal information that can lead to identity theft.
While it is essential to seek support when transitioning out of military service, it is even more important to carefully choose which business or individual to trust with personal information or to apply for government programs on behalf of the service member. Contacting the local Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or VA-accredited representative is a great starting point.
Veteran-friendly Employers or Schools
Moving on to the next adventure after military service is a difficult proposition for many veterans, some of which have doubts that their experiences and skills will transfer into the civilian sector. Unfortunately, scammers will develop fraudulent job postings or educational opportunities to appeal to military veterans specifically. Their aim is to collect payment for unrecognized certificates or credentials with the promise of job placement, steal sensitive personal information, or obtain VA benefits information.
Scammers frequently use remote working opportunities with high pay and impersonate companies during an employment scam. If the posting is found on a third-party website, verify it is legitimate by checking the job board on the company’s official website. Spend time researching educational opportunities to verify the degree or certificate awarded is recognized by the industry. Check to see if the institution has a Veteran’s Services office and call them to ensure it is a working number.

Posted in Opinion