THINK YOU ARE BEING SCAMMED?
​Have you received a suspicious call from an organization claiming to represent or have affiliation with the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)? Did the caller guarantee a lucrative payout for your disability compensation or pension claim for a “small fee”?


If so, you may be a target of a scammer. Recently, VA has seen an increase of fraudsters and non-accredited representatives who are targeting the pension benefits of elderly Veterans and their dependents and survivors.


VA is committed to defeating fraudsters, who target elderly Veterans, by educating them, their families, and all partners about the types of fraudulent tactics being used against them, including Pension Poaching.


Pension Poaching is the financial exploitation by an advisor who profits by artificially qualifying a claimant for VA pension benefits. The scheme often involves financial maneuvers such as advising claimants to hide their assets in trusts or annuity products sometimes resulting in lost investments and lucrative fees paid to the advisor. Pension Poaching is rapidly evolving as a preferred method used by criminals to defraud elderly Veterans, survivors, and their families who are eligible for VA benefits.


To avoid being a victim to these tactics, here are some helpful tips to remember when protecting yourself from fraud: 
  • Be suspicious if someone offers to shift your assets around to qualify for VA pension. You may be required to repay benefits to the government.
  • NEVER share eBenefits, VA.GOV, or other VA login credentials with anyone.
  • DO NOT deposit VA benefits directly into a third-party bank account unless the person is court appointed or a VA accredited fiduciary.
  • Remember, VA does not charge for processing a claim or request a processing fee. Use VA accredited organizations to help file your claim.
  • VA does not threaten or take adverse actions such as jail or lawsuits on claimants. If in doubt, call VA directly at 1-800-827-1000.


To report suspected activity, please contact the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) by calling 1-800-488-8244. You may also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by visiting www.consumercomplaints.fcc.gov.


Protecting Veterans’ benefits against fraudulent activity is one of the best things everyone can do to honor them, their service and sacrifice.

If you know a Veteran who is in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.

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VA Disability Payments to Increase in 2023VA disability compensation rates are increasing in 2023 based on Social Security's cost of living adjustment. Official compensation tables will be provided by VA in December 2022.
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Veterans Day 2022 Free Meals, Discounts and OffersVeterans Day is Friday, November 11. Check out all the 2022 Veterans Day discounts. 
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Commissary Shopping Privileges for VeteransMany Veterans are eligible to shop at Defense commissaries worldwide, including Veterans with any service-connected disability, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war and caregivers of eligible Veterans.
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Community Catalyst Award Q&A, Webinar Oct. 25Learn more about VA's new Community Catalyst award at the first webinar and Q&A on Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. ET. The Community Catalyst Award honors organizations for excellence in building engagement solutions that improve experiences for Veterans and their families, caregivers and survivors. 
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Fraudsters and Cyber Scammers are Targeting Veterans: Protect Yourself from Becoming a Victim Now more than ever, if you are a service member, Veteran or military spouse, it is imperative to be educated on the ways scam artists and fraudsters can target you.
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Helping Communities and Veteran-serving Organizations Grow The VA Community Playbook is a resource to help community leaders and Veteran-serving organizations work with VA and intensify their impact and outcomes for Veterans, families,  caregivers and survivors. 
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Help Improve the Needs of Student Veterans: Take the SVA CensusStudent Veterans of America (SVA) is conducting a student Veterans and military-connected students demographic web survey. Participation helps inform academic institutions, stakeholders, policy makers and the public about student Veterans.
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L.L. Bean 10% off military discount.
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