Hawaii Military Scammed: $23K Lost

Military Consumer Month: Protecting Our Veterans and Active Duty Personnel from Scams

Each July, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recognizes Military Consumer Month, a crucial initiative aimed at educating military personnel, veterans, and their families on how to safeguard their finances and well-being against fraud. This annual observance underscores the unique vulnerabilities faced by this community and provides essential tools to combat scams targeting them. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) supports this effort by offering relevant advice and resources to help service members and veterans protect themselves.

The Scope of the Problem

Scammers frequently target veterans and active duty military personnel due to their often-stable income from pensions or disability payments. This consistent income stream makes them attractive targets for identity theft, investment scams, and other fraudulent schemes. Data from the Federal Trade Commission reveals that veterans across the United States have lost a staggering $1.4 billion to scammers over the past five years, highlighting the immense scale of this problem.

Locally, the BBB reports that active duty military members and veterans residing in Hawaii reported over 300 scams in 2024 alone, resulting in losses totaling $23,000. These figures, while specific to Hawaii, are indicative of a nationwide trend that demands attention and proactive measures.

Common Scams Targeting the Military Community

A particularly insidious type of scam involves preying on veterans' benefits. Fraudsters often promise assistance in accessing Veterans Affairs (VA) services for a fee, despite these services being readily available for free through official VA channels. This tactic is not only financially exploitative but also serves as a means to gather sensitive personal information, further jeopardizing the victim's security.

Protecting Yourself: Essential Tips

The BBB emphasizes the importance of vigilance and offers several practical tips to help military consumers avoid falling victim to scams:

• Verify Offers and Organizations: Always independently verify any offers or claims, especially those related to VA benefits or services. If someone claims to be affiliated with the VA, hang up and contact the VA directly through official channels to confirm their legitimacy. This simple step can prevent scammers from gaining access to your personal information or exploiting your trust.

• Research Before Donating: Before making any donations to charities or organizations, conduct thorough research to ensure they are legitimate and reputable. Utilize resources like the BBB's Wise Giving Alliance at Give.org to assess the organization's financial accountability and transparency. This will help you avoid inadvertently supporting fraudulent charities or schemes.

• Report Scams: If you encounter a scam or suspect fraudulent activity, report it to the BBB Scam Tracker. Your report can help warn others in the community and provide valuable information to investigators working to stop scammers targeting the military. By sharing your experiences, you contribute to a collective effort to protect others from falling victim to similar schemes.

• Utilize Available Resources: The BBB provides a wealth of resources specifically designed for veterans and active duty military families on their website. These resources include scam prevention guides, educational materials, and tools to help you identify and avoid potential threats. Take advantage of these free resources to enhance your knowledge and protect yourself and your family.

• Prevention is Key: Proactive prevention is the most effective defense against scams. By staying informed about the latest scam tactics and taking steps to protect your personal information, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

The Importance of Awareness and Education

Military Consumer Month serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of awareness and education in protecting our veterans and active duty personnel from fraud. By understanding the types of scams that target the military community and implementing preventative measures, we can collectively work to safeguard their financial well-being and peace of mind. The BBB's ongoing efforts to provide resources and support play a vital role in this mission, empowering military consumers to make informed decisions and protect themselves from exploitation.

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