Be Wary Of Veterans Benefits Scams
Veterans Day has come and gone, but veterans should be aware of benefits scams and fraud every day. Lawmakers are warning veterans and their families to be aware of scams and fraud, especially by companies who exploit veterans by trying to access their benefits. There are also people known as “claim sharks” who often promise a faster claims process or guaranteed benefit increases. It is important to understand that these individuals and companies are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Veterans who need help with claims should seek assistance from reliable and accredited channels. They should also ignore unsolicited phone calls and emails about benefits to avoid falling victim to predatory practices.
Receiving Reliable Assistance
Veterans who need assistance with initial benefits claims can receive free support from their local county veteran service office. Also, accredited representatives such as claim agents and attorneys, can help, as they have passed exams, undergone background checks, and completed ongoing training. It is important not to choose unaccredited claims representatives, as they may provide substandard assistance or be committing outright fraud.
Common Scams Targeting Veterans
There are many scams out there and some veterans can be very trusting. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved one by staying up to date on common scams such as the following:
- Home loan scams. Scammers often claim to be affiliated with the government, VA, or your mortgage servicer. They may attempt to convince you to agree to loan modifications, refinance your home, or make payments to your loans with money orders or gift cards. Be cautious of anyone who tells you to cancel your mortgage payment and send it elsewhere or tells you to make payments to someone other than your current lender. Never give out personal information to a lender or servicer that contacts you out of the blue. When in doubt, call your loan servicer directly
- Identity theft and fraud. Some scammers will pretend to be from the Department of Defense or VA so they can get their hands on your personal information. They will then use this to commit identity theft or fraud. Be wary of letters and emails that have misspellings or look unprofessional. If they send you to a non-government website, that is also a huge red flag. Also, never give out your Social Security number to get veteran discounts. If your identity is stolen, report it right away. File a police report and put a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting Equifax, Experian, and Transunion.
- Pension scams. Older veterans may be targeted by financial advisers persuading them to buy costly annuities or transfer their assets into trusts. Do not fall for these scams. Know that only the VA can award benefits.
Learn More About Veterans Benefits
There are many benefits available to veterans, but they need to know which ones are valid, as there are many scammers out there.
Get legal advice from a White Plains veterans disability benefits lawyer from The Law Office of Michael Lawrence Varon. We understand all the rules and laws involved. To schedule a consultation, call 914-294-2145 or fill out the online form.
Source:
oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/ahead-veterans-day-attorney-general-bonta-issues-consumer-alert-scams-targeting
