Veterans Beware: A New Scam Is Targeting The Military

Rochelle Nelson
Updated

You’ve probably heard about love scams, IRS scams, and scams that swindle the elderly out of their life savings. Now, there’s a new scam on the rise: con artists are targeting military veterans and extorting money from them.

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Dr. Phil, along with AARP fraud expert Doug Shadel, offer vital information to avoid becoming the victim of this scam.

“We’ve identified 12 other scams that specifically target vets just because they’re veterans,” Shadel tells Dr. Phil on Monday’s episode. He explains that vets are common targets because it’s easy to find a database of thousands of veterans, and because of patriotism – con artists claim to be vets as well and bond with their victims.

To combat the growing problem of scams targeting vets, AARP has joined with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to launch Operation Protect Veterans, making the public aware of what to watch for.

In the video above, Shadel explains some of the most popular scams targeting vets.

AARP and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service created the AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook, Veterans Edition, a must-have handbook for veterans, their families and friends with vital information on ways to avoid being a victim of scams aimed directly at vets.

“It not only gives details about the tactics being used by cons, but also where to turn if you think you’ve been scammed,” Dr. Phil says. To get a free handbook, visit: AARP.org/FraudWatchNetwork.

“If you’re not a vet, don’t turn a deaf ear to this. You know people, you know friends who are vets,” Dr. Phil says. “Tell them to go to the website. I want to start a wave across the country … The way to fight these scammers is to stay one step ahead of them.”

If you want information on the most common internet scams, as well as general tips on travel, keeping up with technology and more, visit AARP.org.

If you need to call the Veteran’s Choice Program (VCP), call 1-866-606-8198.

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