Top scams targeting our military heroes and how to avoid them
Cyberscammers are some of the most heartless individuals out there, preying on unsuspecting victims and taking advantage of their trust and vulnerability. Unfortunately, even our military heroes are not spared from these despicable acts. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scammers stole a staggering $477 million from veterans, military personnel, and their spouses last year alone, marking a $63 million increase from the previous year. This data highlights the fact that the military community is a prime target for scammers, with a 7% increase in the number of military members falling victim to these attacks.
These scammers employ various tactics to deceive veterans into divulging personal information or parting with their hard-earned money. From veterans’ benefit scams to IRS scams, these criminals stop at nothing to exploit and defraud those who have served our country. In this article, we’ll delve into five of the most common scams targeting our military heroes and provide tips on how to protect yourself from falling victim to these schemes.
Romance scams have become a prevalent threat to veterans, as scammers masquerade as sympathetic individuals on dating apps, social media platforms, or support forums tailored for veterans. These scammers cultivate relationships with their targets over an extended period, using flattery and fabricated stories to establish an emotional connection. Once trust is established, the scammer will fabricate urgent situations, such as medical emergencies or travel expenses, to extort money from their victims. In 2020, veterans and their families lost over $40 million to romance scams, with victims aged 50-69 being hit the hardest.
Veterans benefit scams involve scammers posing as individuals offering assistance with veterans’ benefits, promising to increase benefits or expedite claims in exchange for personal information or fees. It’s crucial to verify the legitimacy of any unsolicited offers directly through official channels like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to avoid falling prey to these scams.
Phishing scams from fake government agencies are another prevalent tactic used by scammers to deceive veterans. These scams involve sending emails that mimic official government entities to trick individuals into disclosing sensitive information like banking or credit card details. It’s essential to exercise caution when receiving unsolicited emails and to verify the legitimacy of any government communication before responding.
Rental property scams and car sales and financing scams are also common schemes targeting veterans, exploiting their limited experience with certain financial transactions. Scammers often post fake rental listings or offer unrealistic car sales deals to lure victims into sending money upfront without delivering the promised product or service. To protect yourself from these scams, always verify the legitimacy of rental listings or car sales offers before making any payments.
In conclusion, safeguarding yourself from scammers requires vigilance, skepticism, and caution when navigating the internet. By staying informed, verifying offers, and protecting your personal information, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to these heartless fraudsters. If you believe more needs to be done to protect military personnel from these scams, you can voice your concerns and suggestions through Cyberguy.com/Contact. Stay safe and stay informed to outsmart these cybercriminals targeting our military heroes.