1. Charitable Donations Scams – When con artists lie and claim to be a veteran or service member who is collecting charitable donations to support other veterans and veteran causes. 

Tip: Verify all charities before making a donation and never send cash, wire money, pay in gift cards or use other untraceable methods of payment. Donors who are not familiar with a charitable organization can verify official organizations on CharityNavigator.org. Visit the Attorney General’s website to find additional charity research tools.

2. Military Discounts and Free Programs Scams – Scammers target veterans by claiming to offer military discounts or access to free goods and services through special government programs.

Tip: If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Many legitimate organizations do offer genuine discounts for veterans, but first research offers online and with the Better Business Bureau. Never provide sensitive personal or financial information in exchange for a “discount.”

3. U.S. Soldier Impersonation Scams – A variety of veteran scams appear as someone who pretends to be a U.S. soldier and claims he or she needs a friend, financial help or to sell goods and services for a cheap price. The scammers go as far as opening up fake social media accounts and use real names and photos of U.S. soldiers that they have stolen from real U.S. soldiers. 

Tip: If anyone you do not know contacts you and quickly asks for money it is most likely a scam. The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command recommends soldiers and their families actively search social media sites to see if a scammer is using their name and information. Soldiers may conduct a Google image search of their social media profile pictures. If a soldier or a family member is being impersonated the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command offers a flyer that provides resources to help report and stop fake profiles.