TOTALLY GEEKED!

Dear Ed,

All types of charity scams tend to increase during the holiday season of giving, but Veterans Day (along with Memorial Day) is prime time for swindles in the name of service personnel. Watch out for these and other veterans-related scams:

VA Imposters. Veterans, don’t provide personal or financial information, including SSN, driver’s license, bank and credit accounts in unsolicited phone calls or visits from self-described employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs; it’s scammers who are asking under the guise of supposed policy changes for dispensing drugs or receiving benefits. As with other federal agencies, expect official VA information to be mailed. Before providing any details, verify requests by calling these VA toll-free phone numbers. 

Fake Charities. Bogus charities that claim to benefit veterans are a proven hot button, especially when targeting patriotic older donors. Scammers often use sound-alike names (if not inventing authentic “organizations”) to solicit funds. Before donating, authenticate charities by checking names and reputations at the Wise Giving Alliance operated by the Better Business Bureau, Charity Navigator or GuideStar. You can also contact the state agency that regulates charities where you live. 

Benefits Scams. Some promise veterans lump sum cash payouts for pensions and future benefits, but typically pay a fraction of their actual worth. Other hoaxes involve self-proclaimed “veterans advocates” who promise additional VA benefits by transferring retirement assets into an irrevocable trust that’s unsuitable for many older vets. And remember, it’s scammers — not the VA — who charge for services like filing pension or other claims or getting military records. If you’re considering such programs, have a lawyer review the terms. 

Grandparents Scam. Military families are a popular bull's-eye in this long-running scheme, which preys on loving grandparents. Scammers get word of deployed soldiers from local news stories and claim a problem while serving on R&R, such as arrest or hospitalization.

Military Loans. They promise "guaranteed loans" and "same day cash" to active-duty personnel (and to a lesser extent, veterans) but deliver sky-high interest rates and hidden fees. What makes these finance-crippling loans especially disturbing is that military personnel may not need them at all — they have special financial protections, including a ban on their homes being foreclosed while they are serving. 

Sincerely,

Kristin Keckeisen
Fraud Watch Network

P.S. Spotted a scam?  Tell us about it.  Our scam-tracking map gives you information about the latest scams targeting people in your state.  You’ll also find first-hand accounts from scam-spotters who are sharing their experiences so you know how to protect yourself and your family.