Military Heroes Beware: Common Scams to Avoid

Military heroes are not spared from the cruelty of cyberscammers.

In 2023, criminals stole $477 million from veterans, military personnel, and their spouses, which is a $63 million increase from the previous year, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This shows that the military community is a prime target for scammers. The number of military members who lost money to these attacks also increased by 7% to 30,948, as per the FTC's latest data.

Veterans are often targeted by scammers who use various tactics to obtain personal information or money, including benefit and IRS scams. In this article, I will discuss five common scams that target military heroes and provide tips on how to avoid them.

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Romance scams

Scammers are increasingly targeting veterans through fake online relationships, exploiting their emotions and financial stability. These scammers often pose as attractive, understanding individuals on dating apps, social media platforms, or support forums specifically tailored for veterans. They build relationships over weeks or months, using flattery and fabricated stories to create a strong emotional connection with their target.

The scammer will ask for money after gaining enough trust, often by inventing a sudden, urgent situation such as a medical emergency, travel expense, or legal matter. The requests may start small but can quickly escalate as the scammer manipulates the victim's emotions.

In 2020, Aura reported that veterans were the most common fraud targets, with over $40 million lost by them and their families. Of all romance scam victims, those aged 50-69 suffered the greatest financial losses, with $179.65 million lost in the first three quarters of 2022. This figure is likely to have increased in 2024.

Veterans benefit scams

Unsolicited advice from scammers who claim to help with veterans' benefits can be dangerous. They may promise to increase benefits or expedite claims, but their real goal is to obtain personal information or a fee. Be cautious when receiving unsolicited advice from a scammer, as it may seem too good to be true.

Phishing scams from fake government agencies

Scammers use social engineering tactics in phishing scams to deceive individuals into providing sensitive information, such as banking or credit card details, by posing as official entities in emails.

Malware can be installed on your device if you click a link or download an attachment from scam emails, while phishing links are often sent through social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook.

Military members are particularly vulnerable to IRS scams, as scammers often pose as IRS agents and threaten legal consequences if payments are not made promptly. These scams are designed to appear legitimate, with spoofed caller IDs that mimic the IRS's official phone number.

Rental property scams

Scammers frequently use rental property scams to take advantage of individuals searching for a place to rent. These scams often involve fraudulent postings of fake listings for apartments or homes on popular rental websites or social media platforms. The listing may appear too good to be true, such as a stunning property at an unbelievably low price.

The scammer may claim to be out of town or unavailable to meet in person, requesting potential renters to send a deposit or rent payment upfront to "secure" the property. In some cases, they may send fake lease agreements or claim that the property is already rented, but they can still "help" find a similar place.

Car sales and financing scams

Unfortunately, scams targeting veterans with car sales and financing are prevalent. Scammers take advantage of veterans' limited experience with financial transactions by offering unrealistic car sales or financing options. These scams can manifest in different ways, ultimately resulting in financial loss and stress.

6 ways veterans can protect themselves from scams

Verify the legitimacy of any unsolicited offers related to veterans' benefits directly through official channels like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or trusted veteran organizations before accepting them.

Be cautious of emotional manipulation in online relationships: Scammers often target veterans' emotions in online romance. It's crucial to avoid sharing personal or financial information with people you meet online, especially if the relationship seems too perfect or rushed. If someone asks for money after only a few weeks or months, it's likely a scam.

To avoid falling victim to scams, be cautious when receiving messages from supposed government agencies such as the IRS or VA. If you receive a threatening message or one requesting personal information, do not respond. Instead, contact the agency directly using official contact details to verify the legitimacy of the message.

Always be wary of rental or car sale deals that appear too good to be true. If a listing or sale seems too cheap or ideal, it is likely a scam. Before sending any money, visit the property or dealership in person and obtain a signed agreement.

Be cautious when handling sensitive data online and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. Scammers use phishing emails and fake websites to steal personal and financial information. Ensure your devices have updated security software to protect your personal information.

To protect yourself from malicious links that can harm your devices and steal your private information, make sure to install antivirus software on all your gadgets. Here are my top picks for the best antivirus software for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices in 2024.

Consider using data removal services to safeguard your personal information from scammers. These services can erase your data from public databases and people-search websites, minimizing the likelihood of identity theft and unsolicited communications. Here are my top recommendations for data removal services.

Kurt’s key takeaway

Scammers use false information to deceive you, but staying informed and cautious can help you stay safe. These fraudsters are always looking for new ways to target veterans, including romance scams and fake government offers. To avoid falling victim, be careful, verify offers, and protect your data.

Do you believe additional measures should be taken to safeguard military personnel from these types of fraud? Please share your thoughts by contacting us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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