Just when you think you’ve heard it all, scammers are also preying on our nation’s veterans. There are currently more than 15 million American military veterans, representing about 6% of the U.S. population. After putting their lives on the line to defend our country, crooks look at these patriots as just another set of targets for a variety of scams.

Scammers routinely send out millions of fraudulent texts, emails and letters in the name of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Many vets are dependent on the VA for health care and disability payments. The phony messages often claim there has been an overpayment of benefits, demanding immediate repayment by gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.

The VA is aware of these scams and advises veterans to call 1-800-827-1000 to double check the legitimacy of any message regarding overpayment of benefits. The VA never demands veterans repay debts up front, and cautions against sending Social Security numbers, bank account details or credit card numbers to anyone threatening cancellation of veterans’ benefits for any reason.

SOB STORY SCAMS

A number of scams are based on someone claiming they are a veteran or active-duty service member in dire straits. Veterans, knowing the hardships of service member life, are especially vulnerable to these fake sob stories, sending thousands of dollars to impostors claiming homelessness, poverty and even starvation. Never respond to any plea for help that came to you “out of the blue” and take the time to carefully check out donation requests from veteran-related charities.

Many scammers try to add credibility to their stories by hijacking the identities of actual veterans and service members. In most cases, the photo is completely real, but the person who sent it to you is just an impostor.

Many vets have been caught up in scams based on such photos, sending thousands of dollars to buy airfare from a combat zone, or purchase food and medicine in a remote area where the military supply system has left a service member stranded.

Never give anything to anyone claiming to be a vet based on a picture. If you’re concerned that a service member you’ve met on the internet is at risk somewhere in the world, call your local congressman’s military liaison staffer to discuss the situation.

‘PENSION

POACHING’

Other veteran scams include “pension poaching,” where a crook claims to know a way to apply for fraudulent VA benefits for a fee. Crooks also target veterans receiving VA pensions, offering lump sums in exchange for future VA payments. Scammers will always ask for advance payment to process VA applications and paperwork. Veterans should know that the VA never charges a fee to file an application for any benefits.

Many younger veterans left service with considerable education benefits under the GI Bill. Veterans should be careful before authorizing education payments to any college or institution. Unaccredited “diploma factories” have become quite good at hoodwinking vets into signing up for worthless courses and degrees. Contact the VA before enrolling to make sure you aren’t being fleeced by some sophisticated con artists who’ve created the illusion of a real college or university.

Our veterans are a national treasure. No other group of citizens compare in terms of bravery and selflessness. Whenever you encounter a veteran, take the time to say “thank you for your service.” Veterans are humble heroes, many continuing to serve their communities in selfless ways many years beyond their time of military service. We owe our gratitude and respect to these patriots who answered the call to duty to safeguard our freedom.

Protect yourself

Dave Long answers questions during a series of monthly talks on the latest scams, why scammers target seniors and how to protect personal information at 1 p.m. the fourth Thursday of every month at the Poland Township Government Center, 3339 Dobbins Road, Poland.

To report a scam or to ask questions, seniors may call county Senior Services Units. In Mahoning County, call Bob Schaeffer at 330-480-5078. In Trumbull County, call Don Hyde at 330-675-7096.

Dave Long of Poland, a Youngstown State University graduate, is a retired public affairs officer with U.S. Customs and Border Protection who later worked as an Elder Scam Prevention Outreach specialist in Rochester, N.Y.