Cyber crooks are some of the most ruthless people out there. They do not even spare our military heroes.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), these criminals stole $477 million from veterans, military personnel, and their spouses last year. This is an increase of $63 million from 2022 and shows military personnel are a big target for scammers. The number of military personnel who lost money in these attacks rose 7% to 30,948, according to the latest data from the FTC.
These scammers use all kinds of tricks to get veterans to hand over their personal information and hard-earned cash, including VA benefit scams and IRS scams. Learn more about the five most common scams targeting military heroes and how to protect yourself from them.
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romance scam
romance scam It has become an increasingly painful reality for veterans as scammers target them through fake online relationships to exploit their emotional and financial security. These scammers often pose as attractive and understanding people on dating apps, social media platforms, and even support forums specific to veterans. They spend weeks or months building relationships, using flattery and fabricated stories to build strong emotional connections with their targets.
Once scammers believe they have gained enough trust, they usually fabricate a sudden emergency and demand money. It could be a “medical emergency,” a request for travel expenses for a visit, or even a claim that you need help with a legal matter. The demands start out small, but can quickly escalate if the scammer continues to manipulate the victim’s emotions.
It is the most common scam targeting veterans, costing veterans and their families more than $40 million in 2020, according to Orla. Of all romance scam victims, the 50-69 age group suffered the most, with losses of $179.65 million in the first three quarters of 2022 alone. This number will almost certainly jump in 2024.
Image of soldiers supporting each other (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Nearly 1 million Medicare beneficiaries face data breach
Veterans benefits fraud
Some scammers pretend to offer assistance with veterans benefits. They promise higher benefits and faster claims, but what they’re actually asking for are personal information and fees. Scammers may contact you by phone, email, or text message claiming that you are eligible for new or additional benefits. When dealing with unsolicited advice, remember that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
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Phishing scam by fake government agency
Phishing scam This is a social engineering trick where scammers send emails that appear to come from a government, bank, or other official organization. These legitimate-looking emails act as bait, but their real purpose is to obtain bank account and credit card information.
In some cases, these scam emails ask you to click on a link or download an attachment, which can install malware on your device. Scammers have also been known to send phishing links through LinkedIn, Facebook, or other social media.
One classic example is IRS fraud. Everyone is a target, but the main targets are military personnel. Scammers pose as IRS employees and threaten jail time, fines, and other penalties if you don’t get your payment right away. They may even spoof IRS caller ID to make the calls appear authentic.
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Rental property fraud
Rental real estate scams are a common way scammers try to take advantage of people looking for a place to rent. These scams often involve scammers posting fake listings for apartments or homes on popular rental websites or social media platforms. This list may seem like beautiful places at incredibly low prices.
Scammers typically claim to be out of the office or unable to meet in person, and ask prospective renters for a deposit or prepayment of rent in order to “secure” the property. In some cases, they may send you a fake rental agreement or claim that the property is already rented, but they can still “help” you find a similar property.
Beware of Social Security scams from scammers trying to scam you
Auto Sales and Financing Fraud
Unfortunately, car sales and financing scams targeting veterans are common. Scammers know that veterans may have limited experience with certain financial transactions, so they take advantage of that by offering unrealistic car sales and financing options. I will. These scams come in many forms and often result in financial loss and stress.
Images of military personnel honoring our military (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
6 ways veterans can protect themselves from scams
1) Be wary of unsolicited offers: If someone claims to support veteran benefits or promises something too good to be true, whether it’s by phone, email, or text, don’t take the bait. please. Verify the legitimacy of your offer directly through official channels such as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or a trusted veterans organization.
2) Beware of emotional manipulation in online relationships: Romance scammers often prey on the emotions of veterans. Avoid sharing personal or financial details with people you meet online, especially if the relationship feels too rushed or too perfect. If someone asks for money after just a few weeks or months, it could be a scam.
3) Verify government communications: Scammers often impersonate government agencies such as the IRS or VA. If you receive a message that threatens penalties or requests personal information, do not respond. Instead, contact the agency directly using their official contact details to verify whether the message is legitimate.
4) Be skeptical of rental car or car sales deals that seem too good to be true.: If a rental property or car sale seems too cheap or too perfect, it probably is. Always visit the property or dealer in person and never make an advance payment without seeing the product or signing a contract.
5) Protection of personal information: Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown sources. Scammers use phishing emails and fake websites to steal personal and financial information. Make sure your devices have updated security software and be especially careful when handling sensitive data online.
The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that can install malware and access your personal information is to install antivirus software on all your devices. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection products of 2024 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
6) Invest in a data deletion service: Consider using a data deletion service to prevent your personal information from being collected by scammers. These services help remove data from public databases and people search websites, reducing the risk of identity theft and unwanted solicitations. Check out the data deletion services I recommend here.
Cart important points
Scammers rely on false information to trick you. However, you can stay safe by staying informed and using caution when using the Internet. These bad guys are always finding new ways to target veterans, from romance scams to fake government offers. Being careful, checking offers and keeping your data safe is the best way to avoid falling victim to these heartless scammers.
Do you think more needs to be done to protect military members from this type of fraud? Email us at. Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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