Scams targeting the military community nearly doubled from 2020 to 2021.<\/h2><\/div>Fortunately, there are specific warning signs that can help you identify scams.<\/h4><\/div>Learn more about warning signs<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>0<\/span>m<\/span><\/div>$ lost to fraud by Military consumers in 2021 alone.<\/div><\/div><\/div>0<\/span>x<\/span><\/div>the rate that scam $ losses have multiplied since 2019.<\/div><\/div><\/div>$<\/span>0<\/span><\/div>lost per minute by military consumers in 2021.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/div>Urgency.<\/strong> Scammers will pressure you to act quickly in order to avoid facing an alarming consequence (jail time, large financial penalties, loss of access to records.) In any legitimate transaction or service request, you never need to act fast.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/div>Asking for personal information.<\/strong> Anyone unexpectedly calling, emailing, or texting to ask for personal or financial details should make you suspicious \u2014 only give that information to verified institutions you call at their official number.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/div>Unusual payment methods and fake fees.<\/strong> Scammers ask you to pay for things that don\u2019t require payment \u2014 like your benefits and records \u2014 with suspicious methods like gift cards or wire transfers that make it nearly impossible to get your money back.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Learn More About Scams and How to Avoid Them<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>SCAM EXAMPLES<\/h2><\/div>Red Flags and What You Should Do<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>GOVERNMENT IMPERSONATOR SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers pretend they\u2019re from a government agency such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, IRS, or Medicare saying you (or a family member) are in trouble for any number of reasons: you owe, your personal information has been compromised, there are changes to your benefits, etc. The scammer will ask for your personal information or payment information to \u201cfix\u201d the situation.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nYour VA profile has been flagged for possible benefit changes in the VA program. These are time sensitive opportunities, please respond immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:\u00a0<\/strong>They\u2019re requesting immediate action from you to \u201cfix\u201d the situation.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:\u00a0<\/strong>Once they have you on the line, this impersonator will surely ask for things like your Social Security number to \u201cverify your identity\u201d or to make these \u201cchanges.\u201d<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:\u00a0<\/strong>Your benefits have been earned \u2014 they aren\u2019t something you will lose the opportunity to access.<\/p>\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
Contact the official agency, in this case, the VA. They are the only ones who can legitimately deal with benefits, and any theoretical benefit changes. If you need assistance dealing with the VA or other benefits, consider a veteran support organization who can help you navigate<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>BUSINESS IMPERSONATOR SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nA scammer impersonating a legitimate business, will reach out to \u201cconfirm\u201d a purchase or demand payment for an outstanding balance. The scammer will ask for financial or personal information to either repay the \u201cdebt\u201d or \u201crefund\u201d the payment.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nYou have been charged $299.99 for your military insurance auto-renewal. If there has been a mistake, please call 1-888-888-8888 IMMEDIATELY while you are in front of your computer.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:\u00a0<\/strong>They\u2019re requesting immediate action from you.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:\u00a0<\/strong>They want you in front of your computer, and they might try to remote access your computer to install malware, or have you share login information.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:<\/strong>\u00a0They\u2019re telling you about a charge that might not be legitimate. Do you have military insurance? Do you remember purchasing this? Are they asking you to pay for something you already own?<\/p>\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
If you don\u2019t remember this purchase, double check your payment transactions before doing anything else. If this actually might apply to you, call them back at the official number from a trusted resource (your military insurance\u2019s website in this case.) Don\u2019t click any links \u2014 they can give the scammer all kinds of personal information\/login info that can result in your losing money.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>ONLINE SHOPPING SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nOnline shopping scams come in various forms but the common theme is that something is promised and paid for but never delivered. Scammers pretend to be legitimate online sellers, potentially offering veteran or military-only offers. If the offer seems too good to be true, investigate further before making a payment.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nWe have been assigned relocation and need to get rid of our car ASAP. Just $1500. Wire the money and we will arrange a meeting time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:<\/strong> They\u2019re saying you need to pay them ASAP \u2014 or they\u2019ll sell to someone else, be moving, etc.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees: <\/strong>They\u2019re asking you to pay for something in a non-refundable way, sight unseen. There is no guarantee that this transaction is legitimate and you may be unable to recover your money.<\/p>\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
Slow down, pause, and reflect \u2014 does this sound realistic? Is there any way to ensure that the product will end up in your hands? If you\u2019re buying an item on Craigslist or another online marketplace, ask if you can meet in-person for an exchange \u2014 that way you can see the item and its condition before sending any payment. For online services, research reviews of the company and check the refund and privacy policies before you buy anything. If you decide to purchase something, always pay with protected payment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>FINANCIAL SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers will pretend to have financial expertise, but they\u2019re trying to trick you into giving them your money. Programs that these \u201cadvisors\u201d convince you to sign up for come with hidden fees or high interest rates, whether they\u2019re approving a loan for a house, a pension advance, an auto-loan, etc.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nLooking to refinance your home? Look no further. Best Homes Lender has the best deals for veterans, hands down. We can give you $10,000 back in cash as soon as you sign!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:\u00a0<\/strong>They\u2019re saying \u201clook no further\u201d and emphasizing bonuses \u201cas soon as you sign\u201d because researching other options might make their scam stand out.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:\u00a0<\/strong>An \u201cadvisor\u201d reaching out to you instead of the other way around is generally a red flag.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:<\/strong>\u00a0Do a gut check, and some more research. Does this rate make sense in the current market? Is anyone else offering anything close to this?<\/p>\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
Before applying for or modifying a loan, research current rates, terms, and incentive programs to be sure that what you\u2019re signing for is legitimate. For example, the VA site has details about how to qualify for VA-backed loans.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>TECH SUPPORT SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers will try to convince you there is a problem with your device \u2014 and you need to pay to fix it. They ask you to pay for services you don\u2019t need to solve a problem that doesn\u2019t exist. Disregard pop-ups and never click any links that have shown up unprompted. If there is truly a problem with your computer, take it to a specialist at an official retail store.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nYour system is damaged, you have been \u201chacked,\u201d you must update your software immediately, or you may lose your data or information if you don\u2019t act now!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:<\/strong> Tech support scams frequently come with \u201curgent\u201d pop-ups or calls demanding you act fast or something bad will happen.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:<\/strong> These scammers may not directly ask for your information, but clicking unknown links, or giving them remote access to your computer will only cause problems.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:\u00a0<\/strong>Their goal is to get you to pay for problems that don\u2019t exist, or pay with a wire transfer or other untraceable form of payment.<\/p>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>GOOD NEWS SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers may call out of the blue to say that you are owed lottery winnings, a vacation, prize, or rebate \u2014 but must make a payment to claim it. Never pay upfront to receive winnings later.<\/p>\n
RED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:<\/strong> They\u2019re requiring immediate action \u2014 or you\u2019ll lose this opportunity.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:<\/strong> The scammer will initiate unsolicited contact asking for something from you \u2014 either financial or personal information in order to claim these winnings.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:<\/strong>\u00a0They\u2019re asking you to pay upfront to receive something at a later date, often with an untraceable payment (such as a gift card.)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>STOLEN IDENTITY<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers will steal your information, likeness, and identity for their own gain. They could steal your photo and name to pretend to be you on a dating site, or use your social security number to open a line of credit \u2014 in your name.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t make it easy for a scammer to find your personal information \u2014 keep your social media profile settings as private as possible so that you can choose who sees your information and updates. If you find someone impersonating you online, visit reportfraud.ftc.gov to get help in how to report and resolve this activity.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Fortunately, there are specific warning signs that can help you identify scams.<\/h4><\/div>Learn more about warning signs<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>0<\/span>m<\/span><\/div>$ lost to fraud by Military consumers in 2021 alone.<\/div><\/div><\/div>0<\/span>x<\/span><\/div>the rate that scam $ losses have multiplied since 2019.<\/div><\/div><\/div>$<\/span>0<\/span><\/div>lost per minute by military consumers in 2021.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/div>Urgency.<\/strong> Scammers will pressure you to act quickly in order to avoid facing an alarming consequence (jail time, large financial penalties, loss of access to records.) In any legitimate transaction or service request, you never need to act fast.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/div>Asking for personal information.<\/strong> Anyone unexpectedly calling, emailing, or texting to ask for personal or financial details should make you suspicious \u2014 only give that information to verified institutions you call at their official number.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/div>Unusual payment methods and fake fees.<\/strong> Scammers ask you to pay for things that don\u2019t require payment \u2014 like your benefits and records \u2014 with suspicious methods like gift cards or wire transfers that make it nearly impossible to get your money back.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Learn More About Scams and How to Avoid Them<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>SCAM EXAMPLES<\/h2><\/div>Red Flags and What You Should Do<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>GOVERNMENT IMPERSONATOR SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers pretend they\u2019re from a government agency such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, IRS, or Medicare saying you (or a family member) are in trouble for any number of reasons: you owe, your personal information has been compromised, there are changes to your benefits, etc. The scammer will ask for your personal information or payment information to \u201cfix\u201d the situation.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nYour VA profile has been flagged for possible benefit changes in the VA program. These are time sensitive opportunities, please respond immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:\u00a0<\/strong>They\u2019re requesting immediate action from you to \u201cfix\u201d the situation.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:\u00a0<\/strong>Once they have you on the line, this impersonator will surely ask for things like your Social Security number to \u201cverify your identity\u201d or to make these \u201cchanges.\u201d<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:\u00a0<\/strong>Your benefits have been earned \u2014 they aren\u2019t something you will lose the opportunity to access.<\/p>\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
Contact the official agency, in this case, the VA. They are the only ones who can legitimately deal with benefits, and any theoretical benefit changes. If you need assistance dealing with the VA or other benefits, consider a veteran support organization who can help you navigate<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>BUSINESS IMPERSONATOR SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nA scammer impersonating a legitimate business, will reach out to \u201cconfirm\u201d a purchase or demand payment for an outstanding balance. The scammer will ask for financial or personal information to either repay the \u201cdebt\u201d or \u201crefund\u201d the payment.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nYou have been charged $299.99 for your military insurance auto-renewal. If there has been a mistake, please call 1-888-888-8888 IMMEDIATELY while you are in front of your computer.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:\u00a0<\/strong>They\u2019re requesting immediate action from you.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:\u00a0<\/strong>They want you in front of your computer, and they might try to remote access your computer to install malware, or have you share login information.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:<\/strong>\u00a0They\u2019re telling you about a charge that might not be legitimate. Do you have military insurance? Do you remember purchasing this? Are they asking you to pay for something you already own?<\/p>\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
If you don\u2019t remember this purchase, double check your payment transactions before doing anything else. If this actually might apply to you, call them back at the official number from a trusted resource (your military insurance\u2019s website in this case.) Don\u2019t click any links \u2014 they can give the scammer all kinds of personal information\/login info that can result in your losing money.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>ONLINE SHOPPING SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nOnline shopping scams come in various forms but the common theme is that something is promised and paid for but never delivered. Scammers pretend to be legitimate online sellers, potentially offering veteran or military-only offers. If the offer seems too good to be true, investigate further before making a payment.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nWe have been assigned relocation and need to get rid of our car ASAP. Just $1500. Wire the money and we will arrange a meeting time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:<\/strong> They\u2019re saying you need to pay them ASAP \u2014 or they\u2019ll sell to someone else, be moving, etc.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees: <\/strong>They\u2019re asking you to pay for something in a non-refundable way, sight unseen. There is no guarantee that this transaction is legitimate and you may be unable to recover your money.<\/p>\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
Slow down, pause, and reflect \u2014 does this sound realistic? Is there any way to ensure that the product will end up in your hands? If you\u2019re buying an item on Craigslist or another online marketplace, ask if you can meet in-person for an exchange \u2014 that way you can see the item and its condition before sending any payment. For online services, research reviews of the company and check the refund and privacy policies before you buy anything. If you decide to purchase something, always pay with protected payment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>FINANCIAL SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers will pretend to have financial expertise, but they\u2019re trying to trick you into giving them your money. Programs that these \u201cadvisors\u201d convince you to sign up for come with hidden fees or high interest rates, whether they\u2019re approving a loan for a house, a pension advance, an auto-loan, etc.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nLooking to refinance your home? Look no further. Best Homes Lender has the best deals for veterans, hands down. We can give you $10,000 back in cash as soon as you sign!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:\u00a0<\/strong>They\u2019re saying \u201clook no further\u201d and emphasizing bonuses \u201cas soon as you sign\u201d because researching other options might make their scam stand out.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:\u00a0<\/strong>An \u201cadvisor\u201d reaching out to you instead of the other way around is generally a red flag.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:<\/strong>\u00a0Do a gut check, and some more research. Does this rate make sense in the current market? Is anyone else offering anything close to this?<\/p>\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
Before applying for or modifying a loan, research current rates, terms, and incentive programs to be sure that what you\u2019re signing for is legitimate. For example, the VA site has details about how to qualify for VA-backed loans.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>TECH SUPPORT SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers will try to convince you there is a problem with your device \u2014 and you need to pay to fix it. They ask you to pay for services you don\u2019t need to solve a problem that doesn\u2019t exist. Disregard pop-ups and never click any links that have shown up unprompted. If there is truly a problem with your computer, take it to a specialist at an official retail store.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nYour system is damaged, you have been \u201chacked,\u201d you must update your software immediately, or you may lose your data or information if you don\u2019t act now!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:<\/strong> Tech support scams frequently come with \u201curgent\u201d pop-ups or calls demanding you act fast or something bad will happen.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:<\/strong> These scammers may not directly ask for your information, but clicking unknown links, or giving them remote access to your computer will only cause problems.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:\u00a0<\/strong>Their goal is to get you to pay for problems that don\u2019t exist, or pay with a wire transfer or other untraceable form of payment.<\/p>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>GOOD NEWS SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers may call out of the blue to say that you are owed lottery winnings, a vacation, prize, or rebate \u2014 but must make a payment to claim it. Never pay upfront to receive winnings later.<\/p>\n
RED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:<\/strong> They\u2019re requiring immediate action \u2014 or you\u2019ll lose this opportunity.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:<\/strong> The scammer will initiate unsolicited contact asking for something from you \u2014 either financial or personal information in order to claim these winnings.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:<\/strong>\u00a0They\u2019re asking you to pay upfront to receive something at a later date, often with an untraceable payment (such as a gift card.)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>STOLEN IDENTITY<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers will steal your information, likeness, and identity for their own gain. They could steal your photo and name to pretend to be you on a dating site, or use your social security number to open a line of credit \u2014 in your name.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t make it easy for a scammer to find your personal information \u2014 keep your social media profile settings as private as possible so that you can choose who sees your information and updates. If you find someone impersonating you online, visit reportfraud.ftc.gov to get help in how to report and resolve this activity.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
SCAM EXAMPLES<\/h2><\/div>Red Flags and What You Should Do<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>GOVERNMENT IMPERSONATOR SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers pretend they\u2019re from a government agency such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, IRS, or Medicare saying you (or a family member) are in trouble for any number of reasons: you owe, your personal information has been compromised, there are changes to your benefits, etc. The scammer will ask for your personal information or payment information to \u201cfix\u201d the situation.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nYour VA profile has been flagged for possible benefit changes in the VA program. These are time sensitive opportunities, please respond immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:\u00a0<\/strong>They\u2019re requesting immediate action from you to \u201cfix\u201d the situation.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:\u00a0<\/strong>Once they have you on the line, this impersonator will surely ask for things like your Social Security number to \u201cverify your identity\u201d or to make these \u201cchanges.\u201d<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:\u00a0<\/strong>Your benefits have been earned \u2014 they aren\u2019t something you will lose the opportunity to access.<\/p>\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
Contact the official agency, in this case, the VA. They are the only ones who can legitimately deal with benefits, and any theoretical benefit changes. If you need assistance dealing with the VA or other benefits, consider a veteran support organization who can help you navigate<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>BUSINESS IMPERSONATOR SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nA scammer impersonating a legitimate business, will reach out to \u201cconfirm\u201d a purchase or demand payment for an outstanding balance. The scammer will ask for financial or personal information to either repay the \u201cdebt\u201d or \u201crefund\u201d the payment.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nYou have been charged $299.99 for your military insurance auto-renewal. If there has been a mistake, please call 1-888-888-8888 IMMEDIATELY while you are in front of your computer.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:\u00a0<\/strong>They\u2019re requesting immediate action from you.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:\u00a0<\/strong>They want you in front of your computer, and they might try to remote access your computer to install malware, or have you share login information.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:<\/strong>\u00a0They\u2019re telling you about a charge that might not be legitimate. Do you have military insurance? Do you remember purchasing this? Are they asking you to pay for something you already own?<\/p>\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
If you don\u2019t remember this purchase, double check your payment transactions before doing anything else. If this actually might apply to you, call them back at the official number from a trusted resource (your military insurance\u2019s website in this case.) Don\u2019t click any links \u2014 they can give the scammer all kinds of personal information\/login info that can result in your losing money.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>ONLINE SHOPPING SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nOnline shopping scams come in various forms but the common theme is that something is promised and paid for but never delivered. Scammers pretend to be legitimate online sellers, potentially offering veteran or military-only offers. If the offer seems too good to be true, investigate further before making a payment.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nWe have been assigned relocation and need to get rid of our car ASAP. Just $1500. Wire the money and we will arrange a meeting time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:<\/strong> They\u2019re saying you need to pay them ASAP \u2014 or they\u2019ll sell to someone else, be moving, etc.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees: <\/strong>They\u2019re asking you to pay for something in a non-refundable way, sight unseen. There is no guarantee that this transaction is legitimate and you may be unable to recover your money.<\/p>\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
Slow down, pause, and reflect \u2014 does this sound realistic? Is there any way to ensure that the product will end up in your hands? If you\u2019re buying an item on Craigslist or another online marketplace, ask if you can meet in-person for an exchange \u2014 that way you can see the item and its condition before sending any payment. For online services, research reviews of the company and check the refund and privacy policies before you buy anything. If you decide to purchase something, always pay with protected payment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>FINANCIAL SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers will pretend to have financial expertise, but they\u2019re trying to trick you into giving them your money. Programs that these \u201cadvisors\u201d convince you to sign up for come with hidden fees or high interest rates, whether they\u2019re approving a loan for a house, a pension advance, an auto-loan, etc.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nLooking to refinance your home? Look no further. Best Homes Lender has the best deals for veterans, hands down. We can give you $10,000 back in cash as soon as you sign!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:\u00a0<\/strong>They\u2019re saying \u201clook no further\u201d and emphasizing bonuses \u201cas soon as you sign\u201d because researching other options might make their scam stand out.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:\u00a0<\/strong>An \u201cadvisor\u201d reaching out to you instead of the other way around is generally a red flag.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:<\/strong>\u00a0Do a gut check, and some more research. Does this rate make sense in the current market? Is anyone else offering anything close to this?<\/p>\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
Before applying for or modifying a loan, research current rates, terms, and incentive programs to be sure that what you\u2019re signing for is legitimate. For example, the VA site has details about how to qualify for VA-backed loans.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>TECH SUPPORT SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers will try to convince you there is a problem with your device \u2014 and you need to pay to fix it. They ask you to pay for services you don\u2019t need to solve a problem that doesn\u2019t exist. Disregard pop-ups and never click any links that have shown up unprompted. If there is truly a problem with your computer, take it to a specialist at an official retail store.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nYour system is damaged, you have been \u201chacked,\u201d you must update your software immediately, or you may lose your data or information if you don\u2019t act now!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:<\/strong> Tech support scams frequently come with \u201curgent\u201d pop-ups or calls demanding you act fast or something bad will happen.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:<\/strong> These scammers may not directly ask for your information, but clicking unknown links, or giving them remote access to your computer will only cause problems.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:\u00a0<\/strong>Their goal is to get you to pay for problems that don\u2019t exist, or pay with a wire transfer or other untraceable form of payment.<\/p>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>GOOD NEWS SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers may call out of the blue to say that you are owed lottery winnings, a vacation, prize, or rebate \u2014 but must make a payment to claim it. Never pay upfront to receive winnings later.<\/p>\n
RED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:<\/strong> They\u2019re requiring immediate action \u2014 or you\u2019ll lose this opportunity.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:<\/strong> The scammer will initiate unsolicited contact asking for something from you \u2014 either financial or personal information in order to claim these winnings.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:<\/strong>\u00a0They\u2019re asking you to pay upfront to receive something at a later date, often with an untraceable payment (such as a gift card.)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>STOLEN IDENTITY<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers will steal your information, likeness, and identity for their own gain. They could steal your photo and name to pretend to be you on a dating site, or use your social security number to open a line of credit \u2014 in your name.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t make it easy for a scammer to find your personal information \u2014 keep your social media profile settings as private as possible so that you can choose who sees your information and updates. If you find someone impersonating you online, visit reportfraud.ftc.gov to get help in how to report and resolve this activity.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Red Flags and What You Should Do<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>GOVERNMENT IMPERSONATOR SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers pretend they\u2019re from a government agency such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, IRS, or Medicare saying you (or a family member) are in trouble for any number of reasons: you owe, your personal information has been compromised, there are changes to your benefits, etc. The scammer will ask for your personal information or payment information to \u201cfix\u201d the situation.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nYour VA profile has been flagged for possible benefit changes in the VA program. These are time sensitive opportunities, please respond immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:\u00a0<\/strong>They\u2019re requesting immediate action from you to \u201cfix\u201d the situation.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:\u00a0<\/strong>Once they have you on the line, this impersonator will surely ask for things like your Social Security number to \u201cverify your identity\u201d or to make these \u201cchanges.\u201d<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:\u00a0<\/strong>Your benefits have been earned \u2014 they aren\u2019t something you will lose the opportunity to access.<\/p>\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
Contact the official agency, in this case, the VA. They are the only ones who can legitimately deal with benefits, and any theoretical benefit changes. If you need assistance dealing with the VA or other benefits, consider a veteran support organization who can help you navigate<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>BUSINESS IMPERSONATOR SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nA scammer impersonating a legitimate business, will reach out to \u201cconfirm\u201d a purchase or demand payment for an outstanding balance. The scammer will ask for financial or personal information to either repay the \u201cdebt\u201d or \u201crefund\u201d the payment.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nYou have been charged $299.99 for your military insurance auto-renewal. If there has been a mistake, please call 1-888-888-8888 IMMEDIATELY while you are in front of your computer.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:\u00a0<\/strong>They\u2019re requesting immediate action from you.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:\u00a0<\/strong>They want you in front of your computer, and they might try to remote access your computer to install malware, or have you share login information.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:<\/strong>\u00a0They\u2019re telling you about a charge that might not be legitimate. Do you have military insurance? Do you remember purchasing this? Are they asking you to pay for something you already own?<\/p>\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
If you don\u2019t remember this purchase, double check your payment transactions before doing anything else. If this actually might apply to you, call them back at the official number from a trusted resource (your military insurance\u2019s website in this case.) Don\u2019t click any links \u2014 they can give the scammer all kinds of personal information\/login info that can result in your losing money.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>ONLINE SHOPPING SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nOnline shopping scams come in various forms but the common theme is that something is promised and paid for but never delivered. Scammers pretend to be legitimate online sellers, potentially offering veteran or military-only offers. If the offer seems too good to be true, investigate further before making a payment.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nWe have been assigned relocation and need to get rid of our car ASAP. Just $1500. Wire the money and we will arrange a meeting time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:<\/strong> They\u2019re saying you need to pay them ASAP \u2014 or they\u2019ll sell to someone else, be moving, etc.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees: <\/strong>They\u2019re asking you to pay for something in a non-refundable way, sight unseen. There is no guarantee that this transaction is legitimate and you may be unable to recover your money.<\/p>\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
Slow down, pause, and reflect \u2014 does this sound realistic? Is there any way to ensure that the product will end up in your hands? If you\u2019re buying an item on Craigslist or another online marketplace, ask if you can meet in-person for an exchange \u2014 that way you can see the item and its condition before sending any payment. For online services, research reviews of the company and check the refund and privacy policies before you buy anything. If you decide to purchase something, always pay with protected payment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>FINANCIAL SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers will pretend to have financial expertise, but they\u2019re trying to trick you into giving them your money. Programs that these \u201cadvisors\u201d convince you to sign up for come with hidden fees or high interest rates, whether they\u2019re approving a loan for a house, a pension advance, an auto-loan, etc.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nLooking to refinance your home? Look no further. Best Homes Lender has the best deals for veterans, hands down. We can give you $10,000 back in cash as soon as you sign!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:\u00a0<\/strong>They\u2019re saying \u201clook no further\u201d and emphasizing bonuses \u201cas soon as you sign\u201d because researching other options might make their scam stand out.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:\u00a0<\/strong>An \u201cadvisor\u201d reaching out to you instead of the other way around is generally a red flag.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:<\/strong>\u00a0Do a gut check, and some more research. Does this rate make sense in the current market? Is anyone else offering anything close to this?<\/p>\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
Before applying for or modifying a loan, research current rates, terms, and incentive programs to be sure that what you\u2019re signing for is legitimate. For example, the VA site has details about how to qualify for VA-backed loans.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>TECH SUPPORT SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers will try to convince you there is a problem with your device \u2014 and you need to pay to fix it. They ask you to pay for services you don\u2019t need to solve a problem that doesn\u2019t exist. Disregard pop-ups and never click any links that have shown up unprompted. If there is truly a problem with your computer, take it to a specialist at an official retail store.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nYour system is damaged, you have been \u201chacked,\u201d you must update your software immediately, or you may lose your data or information if you don\u2019t act now!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:<\/strong> Tech support scams frequently come with \u201curgent\u201d pop-ups or calls demanding you act fast or something bad will happen.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:<\/strong> These scammers may not directly ask for your information, but clicking unknown links, or giving them remote access to your computer will only cause problems.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:\u00a0<\/strong>Their goal is to get you to pay for problems that don\u2019t exist, or pay with a wire transfer or other untraceable form of payment.<\/p>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>GOOD NEWS SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers may call out of the blue to say that you are owed lottery winnings, a vacation, prize, or rebate \u2014 but must make a payment to claim it. Never pay upfront to receive winnings later.<\/p>\n
RED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:<\/strong> They\u2019re requiring immediate action \u2014 or you\u2019ll lose this opportunity.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:<\/strong> The scammer will initiate unsolicited contact asking for something from you \u2014 either financial or personal information in order to claim these winnings.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:<\/strong>\u00a0They\u2019re asking you to pay upfront to receive something at a later date, often with an untraceable payment (such as a gift card.)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>STOLEN IDENTITY<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers will steal your information, likeness, and identity for their own gain. They could steal your photo and name to pretend to be you on a dating site, or use your social security number to open a line of credit \u2014 in your name.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t make it easy for a scammer to find your personal information \u2014 keep your social media profile settings as private as possible so that you can choose who sees your information and updates. If you find someone impersonating you online, visit reportfraud.ftc.gov to get help in how to report and resolve this activity.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>GOVERNMENT IMPERSONATOR SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers pretend they\u2019re from a government agency such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, IRS, or Medicare saying you (or a family member) are in trouble for any number of reasons: you owe, your personal information has been compromised, there are changes to your benefits, etc. The scammer will ask for your personal information or payment information to \u201cfix\u201d the situation.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nYour VA profile has been flagged for possible benefit changes in the VA program. These are time sensitive opportunities, please respond immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:\u00a0<\/strong>They\u2019re requesting immediate action from you to \u201cfix\u201d the situation.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:\u00a0<\/strong>Once they have you on the line, this impersonator will surely ask for things like your Social Security number to \u201cverify your identity\u201d or to make these \u201cchanges.\u201d<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:\u00a0<\/strong>Your benefits have been earned \u2014 they aren\u2019t something you will lose the opportunity to access.<\/p>\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
Contact the official agency, in this case, the VA. They are the only ones who can legitimately deal with benefits, and any theoretical benefit changes. If you need assistance dealing with the VA or other benefits, consider a veteran support organization who can help you navigate<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>BUSINESS IMPERSONATOR SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nA scammer impersonating a legitimate business, will reach out to \u201cconfirm\u201d a purchase or demand payment for an outstanding balance. The scammer will ask for financial or personal information to either repay the \u201cdebt\u201d or \u201crefund\u201d the payment.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nYou have been charged $299.99 for your military insurance auto-renewal. If there has been a mistake, please call 1-888-888-8888 IMMEDIATELY while you are in front of your computer.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:\u00a0<\/strong>They\u2019re requesting immediate action from you.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:\u00a0<\/strong>They want you in front of your computer, and they might try to remote access your computer to install malware, or have you share login information.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:<\/strong>\u00a0They\u2019re telling you about a charge that might not be legitimate. Do you have military insurance? Do you remember purchasing this? Are they asking you to pay for something you already own?<\/p>\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
If you don\u2019t remember this purchase, double check your payment transactions before doing anything else. If this actually might apply to you, call them back at the official number from a trusted resource (your military insurance\u2019s website in this case.) Don\u2019t click any links \u2014 they can give the scammer all kinds of personal information\/login info that can result in your losing money.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>ONLINE SHOPPING SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nOnline shopping scams come in various forms but the common theme is that something is promised and paid for but never delivered. Scammers pretend to be legitimate online sellers, potentially offering veteran or military-only offers. If the offer seems too good to be true, investigate further before making a payment.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nWe have been assigned relocation and need to get rid of our car ASAP. Just $1500. Wire the money and we will arrange a meeting time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:<\/strong> They\u2019re saying you need to pay them ASAP \u2014 or they\u2019ll sell to someone else, be moving, etc.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees: <\/strong>They\u2019re asking you to pay for something in a non-refundable way, sight unseen. There is no guarantee that this transaction is legitimate and you may be unable to recover your money.<\/p>\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
Slow down, pause, and reflect \u2014 does this sound realistic? Is there any way to ensure that the product will end up in your hands? If you\u2019re buying an item on Craigslist or another online marketplace, ask if you can meet in-person for an exchange \u2014 that way you can see the item and its condition before sending any payment. For online services, research reviews of the company and check the refund and privacy policies before you buy anything. If you decide to purchase something, always pay with protected payment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>FINANCIAL SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers will pretend to have financial expertise, but they\u2019re trying to trick you into giving them your money. Programs that these \u201cadvisors\u201d convince you to sign up for come with hidden fees or high interest rates, whether they\u2019re approving a loan for a house, a pension advance, an auto-loan, etc.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nLooking to refinance your home? Look no further. Best Homes Lender has the best deals for veterans, hands down. We can give you $10,000 back in cash as soon as you sign!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:\u00a0<\/strong>They\u2019re saying \u201clook no further\u201d and emphasizing bonuses \u201cas soon as you sign\u201d because researching other options might make their scam stand out.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:\u00a0<\/strong>An \u201cadvisor\u201d reaching out to you instead of the other way around is generally a red flag.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:<\/strong>\u00a0Do a gut check, and some more research. Does this rate make sense in the current market? Is anyone else offering anything close to this?<\/p>\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
Before applying for or modifying a loan, research current rates, terms, and incentive programs to be sure that what you\u2019re signing for is legitimate. For example, the VA site has details about how to qualify for VA-backed loans.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>TECH SUPPORT SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers will try to convince you there is a problem with your device \u2014 and you need to pay to fix it. They ask you to pay for services you don\u2019t need to solve a problem that doesn\u2019t exist. Disregard pop-ups and never click any links that have shown up unprompted. If there is truly a problem with your computer, take it to a specialist at an official retail store.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nYour system is damaged, you have been \u201chacked,\u201d you must update your software immediately, or you may lose your data or information if you don\u2019t act now!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:<\/strong> Tech support scams frequently come with \u201curgent\u201d pop-ups or calls demanding you act fast or something bad will happen.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:<\/strong> These scammers may not directly ask for your information, but clicking unknown links, or giving them remote access to your computer will only cause problems.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:\u00a0<\/strong>Their goal is to get you to pay for problems that don\u2019t exist, or pay with a wire transfer or other untraceable form of payment.<\/p>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>GOOD NEWS SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers may call out of the blue to say that you are owed lottery winnings, a vacation, prize, or rebate \u2014 but must make a payment to claim it. Never pay upfront to receive winnings later.<\/p>\n
RED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
Urgency:<\/strong> They\u2019re requiring immediate action \u2014 or you\u2019ll lose this opportunity.<\/p>\nAsking for personal information:<\/strong> The scammer will initiate unsolicited contact asking for something from you \u2014 either financial or personal information in order to claim these winnings.<\/p>\nUnusual payment methods and fake fees:<\/strong>\u00a0They\u2019re asking you to pay upfront to receive something at a later date, often with an untraceable payment (such as a gift card.)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>STOLEN IDENTITY<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>\nScammers will steal your information, likeness, and identity for their own gain. They could steal your photo and name to pretend to be you on a dating site, or use your social security number to open a line of credit \u2014 in your name.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t make it easy for a scammer to find your personal information \u2014 keep your social media profile settings as private as possible so that you can choose who sees your information and updates. If you find someone impersonating you online, visit reportfraud.ftc.gov to get help in how to report and resolve this activity.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Scammers pretend they\u2019re from a government agency such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, IRS, or Medicare saying you (or a family member) are in trouble for any number of reasons: you owe, your personal information has been compromised, there are changes to your benefits, etc. The scammer will ask for your personal information or payment information to \u201cfix\u201d the situation.<\/p>\n
What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n Your VA profile has been flagged for possible benefit changes in the VA program. These are time sensitive opportunities, please respond immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Urgency:\u00a0<\/strong>They\u2019re requesting immediate action from you to \u201cfix\u201d the situation.<\/p>\n Asking for personal information:\u00a0<\/strong>Once they have you on the line, this impersonator will surely ask for things like your Social Security number to \u201cverify your identity\u201d or to make these \u201cchanges.\u201d<\/p>\n Unusual payment methods and fake fees:\u00a0<\/strong>Your benefits have been earned \u2014 they aren\u2019t something you will lose the opportunity to access.<\/p>\n Contact the official agency, in this case, the VA. They are the only ones who can legitimately deal with benefits, and any theoretical benefit changes. If you need assistance dealing with the VA or other benefits, consider a veteran support organization who can help you navigate<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> A scammer impersonating a legitimate business, will reach out to \u201cconfirm\u201d a purchase or demand payment for an outstanding balance. The scammer will ask for financial or personal information to either repay the \u201cdebt\u201d or \u201crefund\u201d the payment.<\/p>\n What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n You have been charged $299.99 for your military insurance auto-renewal. If there has been a mistake, please call 1-888-888-8888 IMMEDIATELY while you are in front of your computer.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Urgency:\u00a0<\/strong>They\u2019re requesting immediate action from you.<\/p>\n Asking for personal information:\u00a0<\/strong>They want you in front of your computer, and they might try to remote access your computer to install malware, or have you share login information.<\/p>\n Unusual payment methods and fake fees:<\/strong>\u00a0They\u2019re telling you about a charge that might not be legitimate. Do you have military insurance? Do you remember purchasing this? Are they asking you to pay for something you already own?<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t remember this purchase, double check your payment transactions before doing anything else. If this actually might apply to you, call them back at the official number from a trusted resource (your military insurance\u2019s website in this case.) Don\u2019t click any links \u2014 they can give the scammer all kinds of personal information\/login info that can result in your losing money.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Online shopping scams come in various forms but the common theme is that something is promised and paid for but never delivered. Scammers pretend to be legitimate online sellers, potentially offering veteran or military-only offers. If the offer seems too good to be true, investigate further before making a payment.<\/p>\n What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n We have been assigned relocation and need to get rid of our car ASAP. Just $1500. Wire the money and we will arrange a meeting time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Urgency:<\/strong> They\u2019re saying you need to pay them ASAP \u2014 or they\u2019ll sell to someone else, be moving, etc.<\/p>\n Unusual payment methods and fake fees: <\/strong>They\u2019re asking you to pay for something in a non-refundable way, sight unseen. There is no guarantee that this transaction is legitimate and you may be unable to recover your money.<\/p>\n Slow down, pause, and reflect \u2014 does this sound realistic? Is there any way to ensure that the product will end up in your hands? If you\u2019re buying an item on Craigslist or another online marketplace, ask if you can meet in-person for an exchange \u2014 that way you can see the item and its condition before sending any payment. For online services, research reviews of the company and check the refund and privacy policies before you buy anything. If you decide to purchase something, always pay with protected payment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Scammers will pretend to have financial expertise, but they\u2019re trying to trick you into giving them your money. Programs that these \u201cadvisors\u201d convince you to sign up for come with hidden fees or high interest rates, whether they\u2019re approving a loan for a house, a pension advance, an auto-loan, etc.<\/p>\n What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n Looking to refinance your home? Look no further. Best Homes Lender has the best deals for veterans, hands down. We can give you $10,000 back in cash as soon as you sign!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Urgency:\u00a0<\/strong>They\u2019re saying \u201clook no further\u201d and emphasizing bonuses \u201cas soon as you sign\u201d because researching other options might make their scam stand out.<\/p>\n Asking for personal information:\u00a0<\/strong>An \u201cadvisor\u201d reaching out to you instead of the other way around is generally a red flag.<\/p>\n Unusual payment methods and fake fees:<\/strong>\u00a0Do a gut check, and some more research. Does this rate make sense in the current market? Is anyone else offering anything close to this?<\/p>\n Before applying for or modifying a loan, research current rates, terms, and incentive programs to be sure that what you\u2019re signing for is legitimate. For example, the VA site has details about how to qualify for VA-backed loans.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Scammers will try to convince you there is a problem with your device \u2014 and you need to pay to fix it. They ask you to pay for services you don\u2019t need to solve a problem that doesn\u2019t exist. Disregard pop-ups and never click any links that have shown up unprompted. If there is truly a problem with your computer, take it to a specialist at an official retail store.<\/p>\n What a scammer might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n Your system is damaged, you have been \u201chacked,\u201d you must update your software immediately, or you may lose your data or information if you don\u2019t act now!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Urgency:<\/strong> Tech support scams frequently come with \u201curgent\u201d pop-ups or calls demanding you act fast or something bad will happen.<\/p>\n Asking for personal information:<\/strong> These scammers may not directly ask for your information, but clicking unknown links, or giving them remote access to your computer will only cause problems.<\/p>\n Unusual payment methods and fake fees:\u00a0<\/strong>Their goal is to get you to pay for problems that don\u2019t exist, or pay with a wire transfer or other untraceable form of payment.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Scammers may call out of the blue to say that you are owed lottery winnings, a vacation, prize, or rebate \u2014 but must make a payment to claim it. Never pay upfront to receive winnings later.<\/p>\n Urgency:<\/strong> They\u2019re requiring immediate action \u2014 or you\u2019ll lose this opportunity.<\/p>\n Asking for personal information:<\/strong> The scammer will initiate unsolicited contact asking for something from you \u2014 either financial or personal information in order to claim these winnings.<\/p>\n Unusual payment methods and fake fees:<\/strong>\u00a0They\u2019re asking you to pay upfront to receive something at a later date, often with an untraceable payment (such as a gift card.)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Scammers will steal your information, likeness, and identity for their own gain. They could steal your photo and name to pretend to be you on a dating site, or use your social security number to open a line of credit \u2014 in your name.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t make it easy for a scammer to find your personal information \u2014 keep your social media profile settings as private as possible so that you can choose who sees your information and updates. If you find someone impersonating you online, visit reportfraud.ftc.gov to get help in how to report and resolve this activity.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n
RED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
<\/i><\/i><\/span>BUSINESS IMPERSONATOR SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>
\n
RED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
<\/i><\/i><\/span>ONLINE SHOPPING SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>
\n
RED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
<\/i><\/i><\/span>FINANCIAL SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>
\n
RED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO<\/h4>\n
<\/i><\/i><\/span>TECH SUPPORT SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>
\n
RED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
<\/i><\/i><\/span>GOOD NEWS SCAMS<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>
RED FLAGS<\/h4>\n
<\/i><\/i><\/span>STOLEN IDENTITY<\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.codeofsupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/google.jpg\")
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