Scammers continue to target Veterans, Service members, survivors, and military families by pretending to be connected to VA or other government programs. Many of these scams use official-sounding names, urgent deadlines, or promises of extra benefits to pressure people into sharing personal information, bank details, or money.
Below are several scams Veterans and families should be aware of.
Veterans Savings Program Postcard Scam
Some Veterans are receiving postcards about a so-called “Veterans Savings Program.” These postcards may claim that you or your spouse are entitled to extra VA benefits or additional payments, including CHAMPVA, TRICARE, or dental coverage — even without a VA disability rating.
These postcards are not from VA. Scammers may pressure you to call within a few days, then try to collect personal information such as your Social Security number, VA information, or other sensitive details.
Learn more:
VA: Veterans Savings Program Postcard Scam
Survivor Benefits Scams
Surviving spouses and family members are often targeted by scammers after the loss of a loved one. These scams may involve promises related to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, education benefits, home loan guaranty benefits, Survivors Pension, or other VA-related support.
Scammers often use emotional pressure, urgency, and confusing benefit language to take advantage of families during a vulnerable time.
Learn more:
VA: Scams Targeting Surviving Family Members
VA Overpayment and Debt Repayment Scams
Scammers may pretend to be VA representatives and claim that you owe money because of an overpayment. They may demand immediate repayment through wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other unusual payment methods.
VA will not demand that Veterans repay a debt in full immediately using these types of payment methods. If you believe you may have a VA debt, use official VA tools and websites to verify it.
Helpful links:
VA: View Your Benefit Overpayment Debt Details
VA: Request Debt Help / Financial Status Report
VA: Request Help with VA Copay Bills
VA: Official Online Payment Portal
Pension Poaching
Pension poaching happens when an “advisor” or company tries to profit by helping someone appear eligible for VA Pension benefits through questionable financial moves.
These scams may involve telling Veterans or survivors to hide assets, move money into trusts or annuities, falsely report income, or direct benefits into someone else’s account. These actions can put Veterans and families at financial risk and may lead to repayment of benefits later.
Be cautious of anyone who says they can “guarantee” eligibility or wants to control where your benefits are deposited.
Learn more:
VA: Pension Poaching FAQs
Rental Listing Scams
Military families and Veterans are often targeted by fake rental listings, especially during moves or urgent housing searches. Scammers may post fake properties, ask for deposits before a tour, or pressure renters to send money quickly.
Always verify the property, the landlord, and the payment method before sending money.
Learn more:
FTC: Rental Listing Scams
Job Scams
Fake job postings may target Veterans, transitioning Service members, and military spouses. These scams may promise easy remote work, guaranteed income, or special hiring opportunities, but their real goal is often to steal personal information or money.
Be careful if a job asks you to pay upfront, deposit a check and send money back, or share sensitive information before you verify the employer.
Learn more:
FTC: Job Scams
Identity Theft
Scammers may try to steal your Social Security number, VA information, banking details, or other personal information. Identity theft can be used to open accounts, access benefits, file false claims, or commit financial fraud in your name.
Do not share personal information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. When in doubt, go directly to official VA, FTC, or government websites.
Learn more:
FTC: What to Know About Identity Theft
Common Warning Signs
Be cautious if someone:
- Pressures you to act immediately
- Says you must respond within a few days
- Claims to be affiliated with VA but gives you an unfamiliar phone number
- Asks for your Social Security number, VA login, bank information, or personal documents
- Demands payment by wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency, or payment app
- Promises guaranteed VA benefits
- Offers to move your assets around so you can qualify for VA Pension
- Asks to have your benefits deposited into someone else’s account
Stay Protected
If something feels suspicious, do not call the number on the postcard, email, or text. Instead, go directly to official websites like VA.gov, use the VA Health and Benefits mobile app, or contact a trusted Veterans Service Organization.
You can also sign up for free scam alerts and consumer protection updates through Military Consumer.
Sign up here:
Military Consumer: Free Scam Alerts and Consumer Protection Resources
ROGER.vet shares this information to help Veterans, Service members, survivors, and military families stay informed and protected. Always verify benefit-related messages through official VA channels before sharing personal information or making payments.