/images/2023/09/14/woman_using_laptop.jpg)
/images/2019/12/06/smart_strategies_to_save_money_on_car_insurance.jpg)
:format(webp)/images/2025/09/19/webpage-of-united-states-department-of-veterans-affairs.jpg)
/authors/josh-koebert-headshot_fevhyqJ.jpg)
/authors/laura_hohenstein_headshot.jpg)
Add Us On Google
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is warning veterans and their families about a new scam underway. Fraudsters are stealing sensitive information under the guise of helping veterans claim additional benefits and lower financial stress.
The latest scheme revolves around fraudulent postcards announcing a so-called "Veterans Savings Program." The mailers falsely claim recipients (or even their spouses) are entitled to additional VA benefits, including CHAMPVA, TRICARE, and dental coverage, regardless of their disability rating.
The postcards encourage recipients to call the printed phone number immediately.
Get instant access to hundreds of discounts
Over 50? Join AARP today— because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks like discounts on travel, dining, and even prescriptions.
Get 25% off membership — just $15 for your first year with auto-renewal — and a free gift if you join today.
Promise of fake benefits
The scam begins with an official-looking postcard claiming the recipient qualifies for "extra VA benefits" or additional payments.
The messaging is designed to grab attention immediately. Many veterans, like Americans across the board, are struggling financially, and who wants to miss out on benefits they have coming their way?
In some cases, the postcards specifically reference programs such as CHAMPVA, TRICARE, or dental coverage to appear more credible.
Once someone calls the number listed on the postcard, the heist begins. Scammers begin building trust, often praising the recipient's military service and presenting themselves as knowledgeable representatives who are there to help.
Their real aim is to extract sensitive information, including Social Security, military ID, and bank account numbers, in order to perpetrate identity theft or financial fraud.
Watch for these warning signs
Like many financial scams, this one relies on urgency and emotion rather than cold, hard facts.
One of the biggest red flags is the pressure to act now. The postcards commonly warn recipients to respond within five days — or risk missing out on valuable benefits.
Legitimate government agencies generally don't pressure people into making immediate decisions or threaten them with arbitrary deadlines.
Another warning sign is any request for sensitive personal information over the phone or online. Scammers may ask for your Social Security number, bank account information, or other identifying details while claiming they need to verify your eligibility.
The VA says you should never provide this type of information to an unverified caller or website.
It's not just postcards
Although the current alert focuses on mailed postcards, the VA says veterans should also be cautious of similar scams arriving through other channels.
Bad actors may send unsolicited emails, text messages, or social media messages claiming you qualify for additional benefits. Others impersonate VA employees over the phone and claim there's an issue with your account or benefits that requires immediate action.
Some phishing attempts include links or attachments designed to steal login credentials or install malicious software.
Scammers may also ask victims to pay fees using gift cards, wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, or even cryptocurrency. These payment methods are difficult to trace and are commonly requested in fraud schemes because they offer victims little chance of recovering stolen funds.
Social media can also play a role. Fraudsters sometimes send friend requests or direct messages to establish a relationship before attempting to obtain personal information.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1 <p>Clients who complete the program and settle all debts typically save around 45% before fees or 20% including fees over 24–48 months, based on enrolled debts. “Debt-free” applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Average program completion time is 24–48 months; not all debts are eligible, and results vary as not all clients complete the program due to factors like insufficient savings. We do not guarantee specific debt reductions or timelines, nor do we assume debt, make payments to creditors, or offer legal, tax, bankruptcy, or credit repair services. Consult a tax professional or attorney as needed. Services are not available in all states. Participation may adversely affect your credit rating or score. Nonpayment of debt may result in increased finance and other charges, collection efforts, or litigation. Read all program materials before enrolling. National Debt Relief’s fees are based on a percentage of enrolled debt. All communications may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance. In certain states, additional disclosures and licensing apply. ©️ 2009–2025 National Debt Relief LLC. National Debt Relief (NMLS #1250950, CA CFL Lic. No. 60DBO-70443) is located at 180 Maiden Lane, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10038. All rights reserved. <b><a href="https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/licenses/">Click here</a></b> for additional state-specific disclosures and licensing information.</p>
Sign up for a free debt assessment here.
Protect yourself
The safest approach is to treat any unexpected communication about your VA benefits with skepticism.
If you receive a postcard, email, text, or phone call claiming you're entitled to additional benefits, don't assume it's legitimate simply because it mentions the VA or your military service record.
Instead:
- Don't call phone numbers listed on suspicious mailers or messages.
- Never share your Social Security number, banking information, or other sensitive personal details with unverified contacts.
- Ignore demands to act immediately or respond within a short deadline.
- Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unexpected emails or text messages.
- Be skeptical of anyone requesting payment through gift cards, wire transfers, bitcoin, or prepaid debit cards.
If you're unsure whether a communication is legitimate, verify it independently by contacting the VA directly at 1-800-827-1000 rather than using any phone number or website provided in the message.
How to speak up
If you believe you've received one of these fraudulent postcards, the best response is not to engage with the sender.
If you notice suspicious activity involving your VA benefits, miss an expected payment, or believe your direct deposit information has been compromised, contact the VA immediately at 1-800-827-1000.
Veterans who believe they've been targeted by fraud can also report the incident through VSAFE.gov or by calling 1-833-38V-SAFE.
Reporting scams helps investigators catch fraudsters and identify emerging threats, thus helping to prevent other veterans and military families from becoming victims.
Bottom line
Scammers frequently adapt their tactics to exploit current events and trusted institutions, and veterans remain a common target because of the monthly benefits they may receive.
The new "Veterans Savings Program" postcard scam combines official-sounding language, false promises of additional benefits, and pressure to act quickly in hopes of convincing recipients to hand over valuable personal information.
If you're contacted unexpectedly about new or increased VA benefits, slow down before responding. Taking a few minutes to verify the information through official VA channels could help protect both your identity and keep more cash in your wallet.
More from FinanceBuzz:
- Retire like the rich: 14 ways you could build wealth in your 50s.
- Find out if you could pay less for car insurance in just a few clicks.
- Make these 7 savvy moves when you have $1,000 in the bank.
- 14 moves seniors could benefit from but often forget about.
/images/2021/04/21/adobestock_192812280_1200x628.jpg)
/images/2019/12/06/smart_strategies_to_save_money_on_car_insurance.jpg)
/images/2025/01/28/adobestock_628402894_1.jpeg)
/images/2024/09/04/adobestock_669069249_editorial_use_only_1.jpeg)
/images/2020/03/02/tattoo-woman-bar.jpeg)
/images/2020/12/21/smiling-couple-looking-at-laptop-screen.jpeg)
Intro Offer
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300
Annual Fee $0 Why we like it
/images/2025/01/23/discover_it_cash_back_card_art_gold.png)
/images/2025/02/04/person_using_card_in_atm.jpg)
/images/2020/06/29/pensive-woman-looking-at-laptop-screen.jpeg)
/images/2023/04/14/fit_woman_having_fun_with_adorable_mongrel_dogs.jpg)
/images/2025/11/13/old-man-happy.jpg)
/images/2022/02/20/germany_berlin_reichstag_building_german_parliament_bundestag.jpg)
/images/2024/05/21/smiling_woman_using_atm.png)
/images/2025/08/22/colleagues-arguing-in-office.jpg)
/images/2026/07/13/fidelity-investments-sign.jpg)
/images/2025/07/25/75-year-old-woman.jpg)
/images/2025/03/22/senior-businesswoman-sitting-at-the-desk-using-laptop.jpg)
/images/2026/07/01/23_mark-cuban-3.jpg)
