Veterans should independently check benefits offers received through social media, the Federal Trade Commission warns in a Veterans Day consumer alert.
The FTC says scammers can use military details visible in social profiles to make fake grant offers sound credible. Messages may impersonate the Department of Veterans Affairs and link to imitation websites seeking Social Security numbers or VA account credentials.
The agency recommends restricting access to social posts and checking benefits offers through VA.gov. It also warns against letting social-media contacts direct investment decisions.
Check through an official channel
The VA advises veterans to use its official website for online benefits applications and verify the accreditation of anyone offering claims assistance. VA says it does not charge fees to apply for its benefits or healthcare.
For anyone who has already shared financial details with a suspected scammer, VA recommends contacting the bank or card company promptly. Suspected benefits fraud can be reported through VSAFE.gov or at 833-388-7233.
For families helping a veteran, an offer that mentions a real service history still needs independent verification. Personal details can make a false pitch seem familiar.
