Scams Targeting Veterans: Be Vigilant of PACT Act Scammers

Veterans who have been waiting for compensation and healthcare might have one more thing to be worried about: scammers.?Veterans' advocates fear scammers will soon target Veterans for fraudulent gain.?The concern comes as the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT Act), the historic new law that expands VA healthcare and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances, is signed into law.

Military scams are on the rise.?Military Veterans and retirees are reporting a dramatic increase in government and military impostor scams.?In 2021, data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the federal regulatory agency that has led the way in consumer protection for nearly 100 years, revealed that more than 160,000 Veterans and retirees reported fraud or identity theft.?That's a stunning 41 percent increase from the year before.

Scammers are taking advantage of the landmark victory for Veterans to commit fraud.?Scammers may reach out with empty promises claiming they can help Veterans get their compensation for a fee or pose as a VA representative to steal sensitive information like Social Security Numbers or account login information.??As a Veteran, you never have to pay an upfront fee to receive your benefits or access your documents.

If someone contacts you claiming they can help you get your benefits for a fee, report it to the FTC at Reportfraud.ftc.gov.?Reporting scams helps others from becoming a victim.??