Criminals target veterans, spouses, caregivers and survivors with fake grants, benefit notices, claims help, loan offers and trusted-looking military connections.
With respect for all who served
Original TNEJC tribute artwork. No federal or military-service endorsement is implied.Both approaches use official-looking language and urgency to move a veteran away from independent verification.
VA warned in October 2026 that a Facebook post used AI-generated content and the appearance of government sponsorship to collect direct-deposit information. Veterans who responded had benefits redirected.
Do not provide bank information through a social-media post or message. Confirm any benefit through VA.gov or 1-800-827-1000.Read the official VA warning ↗VA warned in 2026 about postcards promising extra VA benefits or CHAMPVA, TRICARE and dental coverage regardless of disability rating. The mailing pressures recipients to call an unverified number quickly.
Do not call the number on a surprise postcard. Verify independently with VA at 1-800-827-1000.Read the official VA warning ↗The story may change. The pressure, secrecy, impersonation and requests for money or account access are the warning signs.
Unaccredited companies promise a guaranteed disability rating, faster processing or “special access.” They may demand large fees, a percentage of future benefits or a signature on blank forms.
A criminal obtains personal information, takes over an account and changes the bank destination for VA benefits. A missing deposit or unexpected direct-deposit notice may be the first warning.
Emails, texts or calls claim benefits will be suspended, a claim needs immediate action, or personal information must be confirmed through a link. Caller ID and official-looking messages can be faked.
Someone offers to hide or rearrange assets, sell an annuity or take control of pension deposits to qualify for benefits. Others trade quick cash for future VA or DoD pension payments.
A caller or mailer claims VA affiliation, demands an upfront fee, guarantees foreclosure relief, redirects mortgage payments or tells the homeowner to stop paying the current servicer.
Patriotic names, military imagery or a shared service story can be used to create false trust in a job, business, charity, romance or investment opportunity.
A criminal wants speed and isolation. A safe decision creates time and brings in an independent source.
Use Check Before You ActStart with VSAFE for prevention, reporting and recovery guidance, or use the verified contact that matches the issue.
The federal one-stop resource for veteran and military-community fraud prevention, reporting and recovery.
1-833-38V-SAFE (1-833-388-7233)Verify a VA message, report a missing payment or ask about an unexpected direct-deposit change.
1-800-827-1000Search for a recognized VSO representative, accredited attorney or claims agent.
Search VA’s directoryGet official answers about VA-guaranteed loans, servicing and difficulty making payments.
877-827-3702Find a county Veterans Service Office or ask for state assistance.
615-741-2345Report identity theft and create a personalized step-by-step recovery plan.
Start a recovery planReport suspected abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, 24/7.
1-888-277-8366Confidential support for a veteran in crisis or someone concerned about one. Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
Available 24/7This resource was reviewed October 29, 2026. Criminal tactics and agency guidance can change; confirm urgent questions through VA.gov, VSAFE or a verified Tennessee Veterans Service Office.
