Shielding Our Military Heroes: Understanding and Avoiding Scams

In a digital age where scams abound, it’s disheartening to note that some of the most vulnerable targets are our military heroes. Cyberscammers have shown an alarming willingness to exploit those who have served our country.

The Alarming Statistics

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), these heartless criminals stole a staggering $477 million from veterans, active military personnel, and their spouses last year alone. This marks a $63 million increase from the previous year, reflecting a growing trend that places the military community squarely in the crosshairs of fraudsters. The number of military members impacted by these scams rose by 7%, totaling 30,948 victims.

Common Scams Targeting Veterans

Scammers employ various tactics to deceive veterans into divulging personal information or surrendering their hard-earned money. Below, we explore five prevalent scams and offer essential tips on how to safeguard against them.

1. The Holiday Gift Card Trap

One of the most deceptive tactics involves promises of free giveaways, such as $500 gift cards. Scammers often lure victims by asking them to sign up for newsletters or provide personal information in exchange for these enticing offers. Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Romance Scams: Emotional Manipulation

Romance scams are particularly insidious, as they exploit the emotional vulnerabilities of veterans. Scammers often create fake personas on dating apps or social media, building relationships over time to gain their victims’ trust. Once a connection is established, they may concoct urgent situations, such as a medical emergency or travel expenses, to request financial assistance.

These scams have cost veterans and their families over $40 million in 2020 alone. Among victims, individuals aged 50-69 have been hit hardest, suffering losses estimated at $179.65 million in the first three quarters of 2022.

3. Veterans’ Benefits Scams

Another prevalent scam involves individuals posing as representatives offering assistance with veterans’ benefits. They may promise to expedite claims or increase benefits but are merely after personal information or fees. If you receive unsolicited offers claiming you are eligible for additional benefits, approach them with skepticism and verify through official channels.

4. Phishing Scams: The Government Impersonators

Phishing scams involve emails that masquerade as communications from legitimate sources like government agencies or banks. These emails aim to steal sensitive information such as banking or credit card details. A common variant is the IRS scam, where fraudsters threaten legal consequences unless immediate payment is made. Scammers often spoof caller IDs to enhance their credibility.

5. Rental Property and Car Financing Scams

Scammers frequently exploit veterans searching for rental properties or car financing. In rental scams, fake listings may appear on popular websites, with fraudsters requesting deposits or payments upfront while claiming to be unavailable for in-person meetings. Similarly, in car financing scams, unrealistic deals are offered to take advantage of veterans’ limited experience in financial transactions.

How to Protect Yourself

Here are several proactive measures to help you avoid falling victim to these heartless scams:

• Be cautious with unsolicited offers: Always verify the legitimacy of offers claiming to assist with veterans’ benefits through official channels.
• Watch out for emotional manipulation: Avoid sharing personal or financial information with individuals met online, especially if the relationship progresses rapidly.
• Verify government communications: If you receive a threatening message, contact the agency directly using official contact details.
• Skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true: Always visit properties or dealerships in person and refrain from sending money upfront.
• Protect your personal information: Keep your devices secure by avoiding unknown links and ensuring your antivirus software is up to date.
• Consider data removal services: These services can help protect your personal information from being harvested by scammers.