Whether you’re active-duty or a veteran, whether you’re stationed in Colorado, across the country, or across the world, you face demands on your time and resources. Unfortunately, scam artists find service members and veterans attractive targets, and will look to take advantage of your service to steal your money and personal information. These scams are similar to common scams, but often feature a slight military spin – such as veteran’s pension scams, veteran’s charities, predatory lending, and insurance scams.
What kinds of military fraud should I watch out for?
Military-targeted scams look incredibly similar to those civilians face. From charity fraud, romance scams to rental scams to general identity theft, these are all unfortunately common.
How does military fraud work?
Knowing that you serve in the military or are a veteran, the scammers will often offer “discounted services” that seem similar to discounts active- duty members and veterans experience at local shops. Unfortunately, these discounts are usually too good to be true, and can’t even be accessed unless you pay extra money or give up private information. if someone asks for your personal or financial information, do your homework. Check licenses, read reviews, and go online to see if the business or service is legitimate.
How do I spot military fraud?
As with other forms of common fraud, military scams can be snuffed out by being diligent and doing your homework. Always ask for IDs, licenses, proof of documentation or insurance, or any other pertinent documents. Don’t believe or adhere to any promises that aren’t in official writing and always research the company. If anyone asks for payment up front or strictly in the form of gift cards, cash, or a wire transfer, it’s probably a scam.
How do I get my money back?
If you’ve sent money to a scammer, contact the company you used to process that payment immediately. Reporting fraud to your bank, credit card company, the company you bought a gift card from, a cryptocurrency exchange, or any other payment processing company can help reverse it.
