Protecting Our Military Heroes: A Guide to Avoiding Scams

In today’s digital landscape, cyberscammers have reached new lows, targeting some of the most vulnerable among us—our military heroes. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), these heartless criminals stole an astounding $477 million from veterans, military personnel, and their spouses last year alone—a staggering increase of $63 million from the previous year. With nearly 30,948 military members falling victim to these scams, it’s clear that the military community is an attractive target for fraudsters.

The Anatomy of Scams Targeting Veterans

Scammers employ a variety of deceptive tactics to swindle our veterans out of their hard-earned money and personal information. From bogus benefit schemes to clever phishing attacks, the methods are as diverse as they are alarming. Here, we will explore five of the most prevalent scams that specifically target military personnel and provide you with essential tips on how to stay safe.

1. The Emotional Trap: Romance Scams

Romance scams have emerged as one of the most common forms of fraud affecting veterans. Scammers create fake online profiles on dating apps, social media, or veteran support forums, posing as empathetic and attractive individuals. Over time, they build emotional connections, often using flattery and fabricated personal stories to gain trust.

Once the scammer feels secure in their manipulation, they begin requesting money under false pretenses, such as claiming to have a medical emergency or needing assistance with travel expenses. This emotional exploitation has cost veterans and their families over $40 million in 2020 alone, with victims aged 50-69 losing an alarming $179.65 million in just the first three quarters of 2022.

2. The False Promise: Veterans’ Benefit Scams

Scammers are constantly on the lookout for ways to exploit veterans’ benefits. They may contact victims, claiming to expedite claims or increase benefits, all while seeking personal information or upfront fees. Always remember: if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

3. The Phishing Trap: Beware of Deceptive Emails

Phishing scams are another popular tactic used by scammers, wherein they send emails that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as the government or financial institutions. These emails often contain links or attachments designed to steal personal information or install malware on your devices.

Among these scams, the IRS scam is particularly concerning. Scammers impersonate IRS agents, threatening immediate payments or jail time, and even spoof their caller IDs to appear legitimate. If you receive such a message, do not respond; instead, contact the agency directly using verified contact information.

4. The Rental Property Ruse

Rental scams are increasingly prevalent, particularly among those searching for housing. Scammers post fake listings for attractive properties at unbeatable prices on rental websites or social media. They often claim to be unavailable for in-person meetings, urging potential renters to send deposits or rent payments upfront to “secure” the property.

Many scammers may even provide fake lease agreements or suggest similar properties that are nonexistent. Always verify listings and never send money without seeing the property and having a signed agreement.

5. The Car Sales and Financing Scam

Veterans are also frequently targeted by scams related to car sales and financing. Unscrupulous scammers exploit the limited financial experience some veterans may have, offering unrealistic deals that lead to financial loss and stress.

Protecting Yourself: Essential Tips

To help safeguard against these deceitful practices, consider the following strategies:

• Be cautious with unsolicited offers: Whether through calls, emails, or texts, always verify the legitimacy of any offer through official channels like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
• Watch out for emotional manipulation: Avoid sharing personal or financial information with anyone met online, especially if the relationship feels rushed.
• Verify government communications: Scammers often impersonate government agencies. If you receive a suspicious message, contact the agency directly.
• Be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true deals: Always visit rental properties or dealerships in person and never send money without a signed agreement.
• Protect your personal information: Avoid clicking on unknown links or downloading attachments from suspicious sources.
• Consider data removal services: These services can help minimize your online footprint, reducing the risk of identity theft.

Staying informed and vigilant is your best defense against the relentless tactics of scammers. By being cautious, verifying offers, and protecting your personal data, you can help ensure that you and your loved ones do not fall victim to these heartless fraudsters.