You served your country—now someone’s trying to serve you a bogus bill for something that should be free.
In this publication, we're uncovering a predatory scam that’s targeting veterans and their families, exploiting their trust and patriotism to make a quick buck. Let’s dive right in.
Scammers posing as benefit “helpers” are charging veterans unlawful fees to assist with free VA claims.
These fraudsters—dubbed claims predators—promise faster results, bigger payouts, and guaranteed approvals in exchange for a cut of your benefits or upfront fees. It’s all smoke and mirrors.
How It Works:
- Contact is made—usually by phone, email, or even in person.
- False promises are pitched—like securing a 100% disability rating or speeding up the VA process.
- Contracts are pushed—veterans are urged to sign agreements giving scammers a percentage of their benefits.
- Fees are charged—often illegally—just to file the initial claim, which should always be free.
- The scammer disappears—leaving veterans without help, out of money, and possibly in legal trouble for unknowingly filing improper claims.
Who’s Targeted:
- Veterans of all service branches
- Spouses and dependents of veterans
- Particularly those unfamiliar with VA claim processes
- Communities with high veteran populations, like Weld County, Colorado
There are over 17,000 veterans in Weld County alone, which is why local officials are raising the alarm—even though no direct victims have come forward yet.
Real-Life Example:
While Weld County hasn’t confirmed any local victims yet, nationally, it’s a growing crisis. In 2024 alone, veterans lost an estimated $419 million to scams and fraud—up from $292 million in 2022, according to the FTC.
“We want to ensure [veterans] know what legitimate resources are out there,” said Tim Marquadt, Weld County’s Veterans Service Officer.
Why You Should Care:
This isn’t just about losing money—it’s about being misled during a vulnerable moment. Veterans deserve respect, not exploitation. Scams like these can delay legitimate benefits, cause stress, and in some cases, result in disqualification from receiving aid.
Whether you’re a veteran, a family member, or someone who knows one—this scam could affect someone close to you.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Never pay for help filing an initial VA claim—it's always free through accredited services.
- Avoid anyone promising 100% disability ratings or fast-tracking benefits—these are red flags.
- Don’t sign over a portion of your benefits to anyone—legitimate advocates don’t ask for this.
- Verify credentials—check with the VA or your local Veterans Service Office before agreeing to help.
- Report suspicious activity to your state’s Veterans Affairs office or the VA Office of Inspector General.
Quick Tips & Updates:
Quick Tip #1: Did you know? Only VA-accredited individuals or organizations can legally assist with benefits claims—check their accreditation here.
Pro Tip: Always start with your County Veterans Service Office (CVSO)—they provide free, trusted support for benefits, claims, pensions, and more.
🇺🇸 Summary in Salute:
- Filing VA claims is always free
- Scammers are charging illegal fees or taking cuts of benefits
- Weld County is proactively warning veterans
- $419 million lost to scams in 2024—don’t be next
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keywords Defined:
- VA Claim: A formal request by a veteran to receive benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Claims Predator: A scammer who illegally charges for help with VA benefit applications.
- Accredited Representative: A person or organization officially recognized by the VA to assist with claims.
- Veterans Service Office (VSO): A local government office that helps veterans apply for benefits, free of charge.
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