By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Veterans and their families are being urged to watch for scams that target military benefits, pensions and personal information.
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Arizona is home to nearly 500,000 veterans, making them a frequent target for fraudsters who may try to exploit VA disability payments, military pensions, GI Bill benefits or personal data.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued a consumer advisory Friday warning about 10 common scams targeting veterans, including VA impersonation, fake charities, pension poaching and phishing schemes.
Scammers may use military terms, impersonate government agencies or contact veterans through phone calls, emails, texts and social media messages.
Officials say veterans should be especially cautious of unsolicited messages through apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram or other platforms.
Here are 10 scams veterans should know about:
1. Pension poaching
Some scammers or dishonest advisers may claim they can help veterans get more VA benefits by moving money or changing assets. These plans may involve annuities or trusts with hidden fees. In the long run, they can cost veterans money instead of helping them.
Veterans should check whether an adviser is VA-accredited before sharing financial information.
2. Benefits buyout scams
Scammers may offer veterans a lump-sum payment in exchange for future disability or pension benefits. The upfront payment is usually much less than what the benefits are worth over time. These deals may also break federal law.
Veterans should apply for benefits through VA.gov or a VA-accredited claims agent.
3. Claims sharks
Some companies or individuals charge veterans illegal fees to help file VA benefits claims. Federal law says people must be VA-accredited before charging fees for benefits assistance.
Veterans can get help from legitimate VA-accredited representatives, often at no cost.
4. Fake veterans charities
Scammers may pretend to collect donations for veterans, but the money never reaches those in need. They often use emotional stories or names that sound like real charities.
Before donating, check the charity through groups like CharityWatch, the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance or Charity Navigator.
5. Fake military “special deals”
Scammers may advertise special discounts for veterans or military members on cars, electronics, travel or other products. After someone pays, the item may never arrive.
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Be cautious if the seller asks for payment by cryptocurrency, gift card or wire transfer.
6. VA impersonation scams
Scammers may call or email and claim to be from the Department of Veterans Affairs. They may ask for Social Security numbers, bank information or payment to process benefits or health coverage.
The VA will not call unexpectedly to ask for payment or personal information. Veterans should hang up and call the VA directly at 1-800-827-1000.
7. Predatory lending
Some lenders target veterans with high-interest loans or illegal advance-fee loans. They may falsely claim the loans are backed by the VA.
Veterans looking for VA home loan information should use approved lenders and visit benefits.va.gov/homeloans.
8. VA overpayment or debt scams
Scammers may pretend to be VA employees and say a veteran owes money that must be paid immediately. They may ask for payment through gift cards, wire transfers or payment apps.
The VA sends debt notices by official mail. Veterans can verify debt information by calling the VA Debt Management Center at 1-800-827-0648 or visiting va.gov/manage-va-debt.
9. “Veteran savings program” mailers
Scammers may send postcards advertising fake savings plans, dental coverage or monthly payments. These mailers may be designed to collect Social Security numbers, Medicare numbers, VA ID numbers or other personal information.
The VA does not sign people up for benefits by postcard. Veterans should call the VA directly before responding to any mailed offer.
10. Phishing for personal information
Scammers may pretend to be VA representatives by phone, email, text or social media. They may say they need to “update your file” so benefits can continue.
Veterans should not click suspicious links or share personal information. If something seems questionable, delete the message and call the VA directly at 1-800-827-1000.
Warning signs of a scam
Veterans should stop and verify if someone:
- Asks for payment by wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency, money order or cash
- Says they must “act now” or risk losing benefits
- Requests a Social Security number, VA file number or bank information by phone, email, text or social media
- Promises to guarantee or greatly increase VA benefits for a fee
- Contacts them unexpectedly, claiming to be from the VA, Department of Defense or another government agency
- Pressures them to sign documents before they have time to review them
How to report suspected fraud
Veterans and their families can report suspected scams to:
- Arizona Attorney General’s Office: azag.gov/complaints/consumer or 602-542-5763
- VA Office of Inspector General: vaoig.gov or 1-877-777-4021
- Federal Trade Commission: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services: dvs.az.gov or 602-255-3373
- Better Business Bureau of Arizona: bbb.org/scamtracker
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