Fraudsters target veterans and military personnel, along with their families, in disturbingly high numbers. Many of their schemes exploit these individuals’ service. Remember that you should never share personal information, including military IDs, with anyone who makes unsolicited contact—even if they claim they're from an organization such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Members of the military sacrifice so much for our country—and scammers con them into giving up even more.
According to the AARP, military personnel and veterans are almost 40 percent more likely than civilians to have money stolen via scams and fraud. In 2024 alone, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) revealed that this group lost a staggering $584 million to those crimes.
Why are they targeted? Scammers know military personnel and veterans often have steady paychecks and receive benefit payments.
Many young service members are also still learning to manage finances independently and frequent relocations can leave even experienced adults vulnerable. Unfortunately, fraudsters also exploit the strong sense of camaraderie within the military community.
How fraudsters target the military and veteran communities
Scammers inundate current and former members of the military with an especially high number of phone calls, emails, text messages, and social media outreach.
That makes these individuals more likely to fall victim to the same kinds of ploys launched at civilians: online shopping scams, prize and sweepstakes swindles, and job opportunity cons, for example.
In addition, fraudsters target this group with scams that specifically prey on their service. They’ll use military terminology and name-drop government guidelines to make their phone calls and messages sound legitimate. In actuality, they’re looking to steal money and/or personal information that can be used for identity theft.
Watch for these scams specific to veterans and military personnel
The good news? Knowledge is power. Get a quick look into these scams and find specialized advice for protecting yourself and your loved ones.
Imposter schemes
This type of con—which involves a crook posing as someone they aren’t—accounted for nearly 45 percent of fraud losses among current and former military in 2024, reported the FTC. Imposter scams bilked military members of $199 million last year.
Typically, bad actors contact an individual via phone or email, stating that they are with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and need to update their records. They’ll proceed to extract personal information that they may try to use to access your government benefits.
Alternatively, a scammer may say they're with the TRICARE health program or a financial institution. They could even impersonate a military officer—or an online love interest—and ask you to send them money.
But don't take an imposter’s word for it. Never share your personal information, including military IDs or your Social Security number, with someone who reaches out to you unsolicited. Instead, directly contact the organization they claim to represent.
Charging for records
Scammers often trick veterans and service members into paying for their VA or military records or even charging them to access their Direct Deposit Form 2014—documents that are actually free.
All of these services are available for free, and you should never pay for them. If you receive a call, email, or text message offering to sell you free forms or records, call the VA directly at 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411).
Ploys for benefits
Fraudsters may allege that they can give you a lump sum in exchange for your disability or pension payments.
The reality is, you either won’t receive that windfall, or it will be much less than your benefits are worth. Unscrupulous financial advisors may also reach out with claims that they can get you more benefits from the VA or increase your retirement funds.
Be incredibly cautious, as investment-related fraud tends to cost individuals more money than any other type: The FTC found that victims lost a median amount of almost $8,000.
Before working with a financial advisor or attorney, check the VA’s database or call 1-855-578-5492 to find out if they are VA-accredited. Apply directly to the VA for benefits—the process is entirely free.
Healthcare scams
Scammers offer veterans free or discounted medical equipment and prescription medications. Often, the promised items never arrive, or fraudsters bill the VA for inflated amounts.
Only order medical equipment over the phone if your doctor has advised you to do so. Hang up on callers trying to sell you devices that they’ll bill to Medicare.
When shopping for prescriptions online, stick to sites with a “.pharmacy” domain, and always carefully review your statements for unfamiliar charges and report these to Medicare (1-800-633-4227) or your insurance company.
Bogus military charities
Knowing that members of the military community are likely to support their own, fraudsters ask them to donate to fake charities or causes that claim to help veterans or active-duty service members going through hard times.
Before parting with your hard-earned money, look up a purported nonprofit at CharityWatch.org or CharityNavigator.org.
Rental scams
Bad actors post bogus rental listings, often promising deals for members of the military. They have you send them a wire transfer for a security deposit or rent, then disappear with the money and leave you without a place to live.
If you’re looking for rentals offering discounts, or properties for sale, use a trusted source, such as MilitaryByOwner.com. Don’t pay for a place before you’ve signed a contract and do an online search of property records to confirm ownership.
Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins (PACT) Act
Fraudulent companies are spamming veterans with emails, phone calls, and social media campaigns aimed at accessing their PACT Act benefits or making money by submitting claims for them.
A crook may say that they represent the VA or that they have unique relationships with medical professionals. They’ll likely press you to sign their contract quickly.
For help in filing a claim, always use a representative accredited by the VA.
How to report military-related scams
If you’re an Allstate Identity Protection member with concerns about scams and fraud, please reach out to us. We’ll do everything we can to make sure that your service doesn’t involve any additional sacrifice.
You can also call the VA benefits hotline (1-800-827-1000) about any VA-related schemes to which you’ve been subjected, or report scams or identity theft to the FTC at ftc.gov.
Whether you’re on active duty, a veteran, or a family member, you’re part of a tight-knit community that looks out for one another. By learning about these scams and sharing what you know, you’re helping to protect others just like you.
