You should be aware of these schemes in case someone asks you to participate, or in case you see fraudulent activity. Indicators of potential fraud include the following:

• Offering to assist in preparing or filing your VA benefits application without VA’s recognition to do so and charging a fee for such services.
• Offering you an up-front lump-sum payment in exchange for your monthly VA payments going forward. VA benefits cannot be assigned.
• Redirecting mail or benefits to a non-beneficiary, such as a caregiver who is not a VA fiduciary.
• Requesting that the Veteran move money into different accounts or reallocate investments to qualify for a VA pension payment.
• Advertising that boasts they can get you your benefits faster for a fee.
• Referring you to a doctor who coaches or guides you to report medical conditions you do not actually have and that do not reflect the true impact of your condition. You are then given forms, signed by the doctor, but which you have not certified as true and accurate.

Tips to Avoid Scams

Do’s

• Apply directly to VA. Veterans may submit applications for VA benefits securely or in person at any regional office. Veterans may file claims directly with VA, and VA will help gather the necessary evidence. There are no costs or hidden fees to apply.
• Validate: If you wish to seek assistance on your claim by a Veteran Service Organization (VSO) representative, agent, or attorney, use the Office of General Counsel Accreditation tool to confirm and validate their accreditation.
• Always make sure you are on the official VA website, as there are many imposter websites hoping to tangle you in their web.
• In general, be suspicious of online websites charging a fee for an otherwise free government product or service.
• Be aware that there are individuals and organizations that are targeting Veterans, particularly elderly war-time Veterans, by offering to provide claims assistance as a way to promote their other business interests. Generally, these individuals or organizations are not accredited or recognized by VA; others could potentially be misusing their VA accreditation.
• Do know that all VA-accredited VSO representatives, attorneys, and agents must follow the standards of conduct for VA-accredited individuals, which expressly prohibit the charging of unlawful or unreasonable fees and engaging in unethical behavior.
• Do remember that any business or individual that prepares, presents, or prosecutes VA benefit claims without the proper VA recognition is doing so contrary to law.
• Do report misconduct that occurs in the course of claims assistance or the improper charging of fees to VA’s Accreditation, Discipline, and Fees Program office. Visit their webpage for more information on how to make a report.

Don’ts

• Do not use an individual or organization that is not recognized by VA. There are important safeguards tied to accreditation, such as the opportunity for claimants to request the review of their fee agreements.
• Do not pay an unauthorized company to help you with your VA claim. Only VA-accredited agents and attorneys are permitted to charge a fee, but only for services performed after VA has issued its initial decision on the claim.
• Do not provide login information, Social Security number, address, or bank information to an unverified email. Do not provide such personal information during a cold call from someone alleging to be from VA. Do not sign a blank form that someone else is supposed to complete later. Always review the completed form before signing and retain a copy of the completed form for your records.
• Do not participate in a scheme where you are being told to lie or exaggerate your symptoms to the VA. You could go to jail if caught and will have to return funds to the VA for benefit increases.