Veterans and military retirees are a common target for fraud and identity theft because of their benefits, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The Department of Veterans Affairs is also warning veterans and their families to take extra precautions during the holidays.
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If you re in the military or a veteran, be on alert. You may be the focus of scammers determined to separate you and your family from your money.
The best defense? Understand how the scams work. Use the tools that help you protect your personal information. And know the laws that exist to protect you.
Scammers are targeting service members. That is one possible conclusion from a tally of Federal Trade Commission complaints where consumers reported a military connection.
What the Statistics Reveal
The numbers show a continued threat of identity theft and an array of scams along with a disproportionate risk of being targeted by foreclosure relief and debt-management scams. In 2012, there were more than 67,000 such scam and fraud complaints from military families, according to the Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book.
New Year, Same Scams: Tips and tricks from AARP to fight fraud in 2021 va.gov - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from va.gov Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Updated: December 10, 2020 5:12 PM EST - Advertisement -
Published: December 10, 2020 3:24 PM EST
Updated: December 10, 2020 5:12 PM EST
The FTC 12 Days of Consumer Protection is a holiday series to help you save money and avoid scams.
Each day, they will cover a new topic from shopping online and bogus shipping notifications to temporary job scams and fake charities. They will give you practical information you can use every day and share with your family, friends, and community so they can be safe too.
This holiday season will look very different as we seek to spend (sometimes virtual) time with loved ones, while staying safe from COVID-19.