Don’t Fall for the “Veterans Savings Program” Scam
By Greg Collier
Military veterans have earned their benefits through years of service and sacrifice.
Unfortunately, scammers see those benefits as an opportunity.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is warning veterans about a new scam involving postcards that falsely claim recipients qualify for additional VA benefits through something called the “Veterans Savings Program.”
The offer sounds official.
It isn’t.
Instead, it’s another attempt to steal personal and financial information from people who have already given so much to their country.
The Postcard That Should Raise Immediate Suspicion
According to the VA, veterans across the country have been receiving postcards claiming they or their spouse qualify for additional government benefits.
The postcards mention programs like:
- CHAMPVA
- TRICARE
- Dental benefits
- Additional VA payments
The mailing often claims these benefits are available regardless of a veteran’s disability rating.
Recipients are urged to call immediately, sometimes within just five days.
That sense of urgency is no accident.
It’s one of the oldest tricks in the scammer’s playbook.
How the Scam Works
The scam begins with what appears to be an official postcard.
Once the victim calls the phone number provided, the scammers begin building trust.
They may thank the veteran for their service and compliment them on their military career. They may even sound knowledgeable about VA programs.
Then comes the real objective.
The scammers begin asking for sensitive information such as:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account information
- Personal identifying information
- Other financial details
Once they have that information, it can be used for identity theft, financial fraud, or to access existing benefits.
Why Veterans Are Frequent Targets
Veterans are regularly targeted because many receive government benefits, pensions, disability compensation, or military healthcare.
Scammers know that legitimate benefit programs exist.
That makes fake offers of “additional benefits” much easier to believe.
They also know that many veterans respect authority and may be more likely to respond to communications that appear to come from a government agency.
Unfortunately, criminals exploit that trust.
Red Flags
Be suspicious if:
- You receive an unexpected postcard promising additional VA benefits.
- You’re told to respond within a few days.
- Someone claims you qualify regardless of your disability rating.
- You’re asked for your Social Security number or banking information.
- The caller pressures you to act immediately.
- You’re instructed to pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or prepaid debit cards.
- Someone contacts you through unsolicited emails, text messages, or social media claiming to represent the VA.
Legitimate government agencies don’t use high-pressure sales tactics.
The VA Will Not Do This
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans should remember that official VA communications do not pressure people to provide sensitive information over the phone or through unsolicited mailings.
If you’re unsure whether a communication is legitimate, contact the VA directly using its official phone number or website, not the contact information provided in the suspicious message.
How to Protect Yourself
If you receive one of these postcards:
- Don’t call the phone number listed.
- Don’t provide personal or banking information.
- Verify benefit information directly with the VA.
- Ignore unsolicited requests for sensitive information.
- Be cautious of friend requests or private messages claiming to represent veterans’ organizations.
- Discuss suspicious communications with a trusted family member or veteran service officer before responding.
A few minutes of verification can prevent months of financial headaches.
If You Think You’ve Been Targeted
If you’ve already responded to one of these scams:
- Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs immediately.
- Notify your bank if you shared financial information.
- Monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity.
- Report suspected fraud through the VA’s fraud reporting resources.
- Watch your credit reports for signs of identity theft.
Quick action can reduce the damage if personal information has already been exposed.
Final Thoughts
Scammers have no hesitation about targeting those who served their country.
Whether it’s fake investment opportunities, pension scams, or fraudulent promises of additional benefits, criminals know that veterans represent a valuable target.
The “Veterans Savings Program” postcard is simply the latest example.
The best defense is remembering one simple rule:
If someone unexpectedly contacts you claiming you’ve qualified for new government benefits and immediately asks for your personal information, stop and verify before you respond.
Your military service earned those benefits.
Don’t let a scammer steal them.
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