By Freddy Groves
On a recent National Slam the Scam Day for 2026, the VA stepped up, along with other federal agencies, with an array of information to keep veterans safe from scams and fraud. Thieves don’t just work one day per year, however. We need to stay vigilant all year long to protect our benefits and personal information from getting to the scammers. Why do they want us? Because we have income and benefits.
How do they approach us? Phone calls, emails, text messages, social media, phishing, impersonation, fake charities — you name it, the crooks have thought of it as a way to get to us.
If you’re approached, whether on the phone or in email, the more urgent the problem, the more likely it’s a scam. A scammer might pretend to be from the VA and try to claim there’s something wrong with your benefits — and that you need to hand over your personal information so they can “fix” the problem. They might want your bank account access info or password, your Social Security number, your date of birth. The answer is no. Don’t do a direct deposit into another person’s account — even if it’s a relative! If you need a fiduciary situation (where someone helps you with finances), have that person go through the accreditation process and be authorized to assist you. You’re protected that way.
If you’re told you need to hand over a fee to get claims assistance from the VA or to apply for increased benefits, it’s fraud.
Invest in a shredder and use it to cut up not only VA documents with personal information on them, but any documents that can go astray, even when you put out the trash.
If someone calls and claims to be from the VA and asks you to pay for something with a gift card or bitcoin, feel free to laugh as you hang up the phone. It’s an impostor. Report it to the VA at 800-827-1000.
