Veterans are frequently targeted by scammers posing as VA employees offering help for a fee in obtaining VA benefits, securing 100% disability rating and expediting claims, all of which are scams.  There is no charge to apply for VA benefits, and the scammers cannot provide the services they claim.  A recent study by the VA found that scammers contacted 39% of all veterans and more than 25% were scammed out of more than $500. Using a technique called “spoofing” scammers can manipulate the Caller ID of their targeted victims to appear as if their call is actually coming from the VA.

TIPS

Veterans should recognize that they are a frequent target of scammers and also should remember that there is no fee for applying for benefits.  Whenever you get a call, email or text message, you can never be sure who is actually contacting you, but particularly if the caller represents that he or she is a VA representative and asks for a fee for providing services it is a scam.

Fortunately, the VA has set up a very helpful website VSAFE.gov which contains much helpful information for veterans applying for benefits.  In addition, the VA has a special hotline 1-833-38V-SAFE which veterans can call if they have any questions about possible scams.

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