Identifying Scams Targeting Veterans In Arizona: What To Know

Over the years, many veterans have told me how hard it is to get the benefits they deserve. It would be a real tragedy if someone managed to take those benefits away from our former service members.

Unfortunately, there are scams happening right now that try to do just that. If you are a veteran or know one, here’s what you should know to avoid being taken advantage of.

Scams Targeting Our Veterans in Cochise County

We have many veterans in Cochise County, which is why this information is especially urgent. Veterans in Cochise County are being urged to stay alert. State officials are issuing a warning about a growing wave of scams targeting our veterans.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued a consumer alert in early June, following a meeting with veterans’ groups and advocates. With nearly 500,000 veterans living in Arizona, our population is especially vulnerable to these scams.

READ: FBI Warns Of Arizona Toll Scams Targeting Residents

How These Scams Work

Scammers are always finding new ways to trick people out of their money. Many of their schemes seem helpful at first. Some pretend to be advisors who say they can “boost” your VA disability benefits for free. Others act like charities or claim they can buy your benefits and give you cash right away.

One of the worst scams involves so-called “claims sharks.” They charge veterans and their families thousands of dollars for help with VA claims, even though accredited representatives offer this help for free, according to PrescotteNews.com.

Officials say scams are now appearing on social media and messaging apps, where it’s easy for criminals to impersonate trusted organizations.

READ: Cochise County Warns About New Scams Targeting Residents

Protect Yourself and Your Benefits

The most important thing to remember is to never pay anyone to help you file or change a VA claim. Accredited representatives can help you for free.

If something doesn’t seem right, trust your gut. Don’t click on links, share personal information, or send money.

What To Do If You or a Loved One Is Targeted

Report scams to the Arizona Attorney General at https://www.azag.gov/consumer
File a report with the FTC by going to https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
Check businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker at https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker
Contact the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services for trusted help by visiting https://dvs.az.gov

Stay informed and share this information with others. Doing so can help protect Cochise County from scammers.