Many recipients of these benefits are targets for fraudulent activity. Scammers use various methods to either swindle Veterans out of earned benefits or convince them to apply for benefits they are not eligible for.

Education scams are when a fraudulent company or individual is misleading or deceiving students. Scammers will also attempt to charge Veterans for services that are available for free.

Employment scams may include business or job opportunities such as offers to start new businesses or work-from-home. The scammer then uses the illusion of prospects to manipulate or steal from you.

Health care fraud occurs when an individual or company knowingly misrepresents or misstates something about the type, scope, or nature of the medical treatment or service provided in a manner that could result in unauthorized payments.

Home loan or housing scams may involve mortgage lenders, brokers, and other entities making false promises, credit organizations charging excessive fees, or making promises to provide free services.

Insurance scams involve false representations of facts with the intent to deceive, including actions taken based on misrepresentation.

Finance scams related to loans occur when a fraudulent company or individual provides a service that is not in the individual’s best interest. The scammer will often offer to provide services with high rates and fees or hide the actual cost of the loan.

Memorialization (end-of-life) scams occur when a fraudulent company or individual provides a service that is not in the individual’s best interest. The scammer often offers to provide services at high rates and fees.

Romance scams are when a criminal adopts a fake online identity to gain your affection and trust. The scammer then uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate or steal from you.

Scammers are taking advantage of new opportunities to commit fraud. There’s been an increase in PACT Act-related phishing (email), vishing (phone), and social media scams targeting Veterans to access their PACT Act benefits or submit claims on their behalf.

Basic information on protecting yourself and your loved ones from cyber, phone, and identity scams.

Learn how to identify and avoid scams and scammer tactics.

How to avoid an identity theft scam to get tax and financial data from your IRS Online Account.

Spot job scams and know your rights on employer background checks.

Learn how scammers target veterans for their pension and disability benefits, including PACT Act and Aid and Attendance.

You never have to pay for help with your federal student aid (including federal student loans). Make sure you understand which companies and claims are legitimate.

Beware of scams on tax credits, identity theft, your IRS Online Account, fake charities, tax preparation, fraudulent filing, bad tax advice, and more.

You can file a complaint, post a review, or tell us about deceptive advertising, predatory sales practices, telemarketing fraud, pyramid schemes, identity theft, computer trespass, or damage to or theft of personal property.