Veterans Face Increasing Fraud Losses, Awareness Campaigns Launched

Veterans and their families faced record-breaking fraud losses in 2024, with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reporting an estimated $419 million lost in nearly 167,000 cases. Fraudsters targeted veterans through schemes involving disability compensation claims, personal finances, identity theft, memorial services, and more. Imposter scams were the most frequently reported, with government imposter scams seeing a notable rise. Scammers often posed as government entities or disability claim services, contacting veterans via email, phone, or even online gaming.

In response, the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are working to raise awareness and provide educational resources to help veterans protect themselves. These efforts include highlighting common scams, offering fraud prevention tips, and encouraging the reporting of suspected fraud.

Resources for Veterans:

• Visit the VA Protecting Veterans from Fraud website for information on fraud prevention and reporting.
• Learn more about identifying scams at vsafe.gov, or report fraud via the VSAFE Fraud Hotline at 833-388-7233 (833-38V-SAFE).
• Explore the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2024 for detailed statistics and insights.

The Texas Veterans Commission continues its mission to improve the quality of life for Texas veterans by assisting with benefits, providing education funding, and advocating for their needs. Learn more at tvc.texas.gov.