Expanded VA services and benefits for more than 1 million veterans and their survivors in recent years have meant billions in service-earned compensation … and more attention from “claims predators.”

These individuals or companies aggressively target veterans via mail, phone, and online platforms, according to a recent VA news item, using high-pressure tactics to convince beneficiaries to pay for claims services. They are unaccredited, and their assistance generally provides “little to no actual benefit,” according to the VA.

Avoiding Predators

It is illegal for anyone to charge a fee to help prepare an initial VA claim, and only accredited attorneys and claims agents can charge a veteran to assist in specific parts of the claims process, such as filing supplemental claims or processing appeals.

Veterans seeking help with their claims can search VA’s online database of accredited representatives. MOAA recommends reaching out to your local County Veterans Services Organization (CVSO) program – most states, especially those with large veteran populations, have assistance at the local level not only with your VA claims, but also with any state benefits. Search for “[Your State] department of veteran services” online to find more. Some examples:

• CalVet CVSO locations (California)
• Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Benefits and Services | CVSO Phone Directory
• Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Service and Benefits Program
• New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Offices
• Texas Veterans Commission Claims Department
• Virginia Department of Veterans Services

[RELATED: MOAA’s Military State Report Card and Tax Guide]

Reporting (and Avoiding) Fraud

Veterans or other beneficiaries who believe they’ve been victimized by claims predators or any benefit-related scam can call 1 (833) 38V-SAFE (1-833-388-7233) to report the incident. They can also file a report at VSAFE.gov, a website which offers scam-protection resources for military and veteran benefits as well as other common types of fraud.

MOAA offers educational resources as well, to include our three-part Don’t Be Scammed series and recorded webinars (available to Premium and Life members): An Overview of Scams and Frauds | Outsmart the Scammers: How to Spot and Avoid Financial Fraud | Protecting Yourself From Cybercrime and Scams

MOAA also is a partner in the Cybercrime Support Network’s Military and Veteran Program, which aims to protect servicemembers, veterans, and military families from falling victim to fraud. Get more resources from that organization at this link.