AARP Fraud Watch   
      
      
   US Veteran Scams   
      
   Dear Ben,   
      
   In the "how low can you go" category, scammers often target veterans   either    
   in direct scams offering bogus services, or in charity scams that closely   
   mimic    
   the names of legitimate organizations helping veterans and military families.    
   Warn your loved ones of these top tricks:   
      
   -Bogus sales  A scammer claiming to be a deploying service member posts a   
   large    
   ticket item on a classified ad website that he needs to sell right away and at    
   a steep discount. The scammer asks for upfront payment with a wire transfer or    
   gift cards.   
      
   -Real estate rip-off   A scammer posts a fake rental property on a classified    
   ad website offering military discounts. You just need to wire transfer a    
   security deposit to the landlord.   
      
   -VA phishing  A caller claiming to be from the Department of Veterans Affairs    
   calls to update your information.   
      
   -Fake charities  Fake charities use names that are close to the names of    
   legitimate charities, often referencing Armed Forces, veterans, or military    
   families.   
      
   -Benefits buyout scam  Scammers will target veterans in need of money by    
   offering cash in exchange for their future disability or pension payments.    
   These buyouts are typically a fraction of the value of the benefit.   
      
   -Dubious investment advice  An "adviser" will tell the veteran she is missing    
   out on benefits, and wants to review her investment portfolio. He'll then want    
   to put the veteran's investments in a trust, to appear to have fewer assets   
   and    
   to therefore be eligible for an additional pension.   
      
   Here's how to avoid falling for scams like these:   
      
   -Be suspicious anytime you are asked to pay by wire transfer or gift cards.   
      
   -Know that the VA will never call, text or e-mail you to update your    
   information.   
      
   -Check out the charity on www.give.org or www.charitynavigator.org before    
   giving any money.Make donations directly to the veterans' organizations you    
   know.   
      
   -Only work with VA-accredited representatives when dealing with VA benefits;    
   you can search for them online at the VA Office of General Counsel website.   
   http://action.aarp.org/site/R?i=61UyAIcVhELwIbhgAuU9WA   
      
   Be sure to share this alert with friends and family.   
      
   Kristin Keckeisen   
   Fraud Watch Network   
      
   P.S. Spotted a scam?  Tell us about it.  Our scam-tracking map gives you    
   information about the latest scams targeting people in your state.  You'll   
   also    
   find first-hand accounts from scam-spotters who are sharing their experiences    
   so you know how to protect yourself and your family.   
   http://action.aarp.org/site/R?i=dd6tZ_1g4CzseAZMk_Sp0A   
      
      
      
   The AARP Fraud Watch Network connects you to the latest   
   information about ID theft and fraud so you can safeguard your   
   personal information and your pocketbook.   
      
   Visit the site >   
   http://action.aarp.org/site/R?i=DNkVVQJkc03qK2fWfUzj9Q   
      
   Get help:   
   If you or someone you know has been a victim of identity   
   theft or fraud, contact the AARP Foundation Fraud Fighter Center at   
   877-908-3360.   
      
   FORWARD TO A FRIEND:   
      
   Share this alert with your family and friends so they know   
   how to spot the common strategies scammers use and have the tools they   
   need to defend themselves against their tricks.   
      
   Forward this alert >   
   http://action.aarp.org/site/R?i=0hRcG6wPr-N4H-rZdyxzDQ   
      
   http://action.aarp.org/site/R?i=xYFMte4p_CRzyGDNpMC-_g   
      
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   -----   
   No virus found in this message.   
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   Version: 2016.0.7859 / Virus Database: 4664/13277 - Release Date: 10/26/16   
      
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   -+-   
   Keep the faith   :^)   
      
      Ben  aka cMech  Web: http|ftp|binkp|telnet://cmech.dynip.com   
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                 Home page: http://cmech.dynip.com/homepage/   
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