Fraud

Fraud attempts targeting Veterans, their families, survivors, and caregivers are on the rise. Fraud can be defined as intentional deception that results in the loss of money or benefits. Fraudsters, or bad actors, are actively evolving new tactics to deprive Veterans of their hard-earned cash and benefits.

Veterans are often targeted because they have access to benefits and resources. Imposter scams account for nearly 40% of the military community’s fraud losses. They can be anything from online romance scams to grandparent scams claiming the grandchild is in trouble. Often, the goal is to gain access to the benefits the government provides to those who served. Scams affect every age group, harming younger people and older adults.

VSAFE is a partnership between federal agencies where servicemembers, veterans, their families, survivors, and caregivers can get information on frauds and scams targeting the military community as well as report suspected fraud. The Consumer Protection Branch of the Civil Division is DOJ’s representative on the VSAFE taskforce.

You can learn more about protecting yourself from fraud and report suspected fraud targeting the military community at vsafe.gov.