When celebrating this Veteran’s Day, your BBB says veterans and their families should heed this advice:
• Watch out for people posing as the Veterans Administration. They’ll claim to be updating financial information.
• Don’t give out personal information, such as your bank account, social security number or other personal information.
• Avoid clicking on links in e-mails or text messages from unfamiliar people or organizations.
• Never allow strangers into your house. Avoid anyone using high-pressure tactics to get you to buy something or give up information. A legitimate company won’t do business this way.
• Look for someone charging you for services you could get for free or less elsewhere.
• Beware of fraudulent investment schemes trying to convince you to transfer assets.
• Watch for people trying to sell security systems to protect families, while service military members are away.
• Check out people posing as government contractors. Many times these scammers recruit veterans and ask them for copies of their passports, which contain a lot of personal information.
• Look out for people offering instant approval military loan (“no credit check, “all ranks approved) that can have high interest rates and hidden fees.
• Beware of people trying to sell stolen or nonexistent items at low prices, such as a vehicle, claiming they’re being deployed and need to get rid of it fast.
• Be wary of people misrepresenting themselves on online dating services. Many times, the scammer will ask for money to be wired to help out in an emergency.
• Check out questionable charities claiming they’re raising money on behalf of military organizations.
• Remember, if it sounds too-good-to-be true, it most likely is.
Your BBB advises if you receive an unsolicited phone call or e-mail from anyone asking for personal information, report it to the Federal Trade Commission online at www.ftc.gov or by calling (877) 382-4357.
About the Author