Top scams targeting our military heroes and how to avoid them

Cyber scammers continue to exploit the military community with increasingly sophisticated tactics. The latest Federal Trade Commission data shows that veterans, active-duty members, and their families lost more than $580 million to fraud over the past year. Losses keep climbing as criminals adopt new tools, including artificial intelligence, to impersonate trusted voices, spoof government agencies, and steal sensitive information. From fake VA benefit offers to deepfake impersonation scams, their methods keep changing, but the goal remains the same: to take veterans’ hard-earned money and personal data. Below are the top scams targeting our military heroes and how to avoid them.

The VA overpayment scam involves

The VA overpayment scam tricks veterans into believing they owe the Department of Veterans Affairs money. Scammers send convincing texts, emails, or phone calls claiming that benefits were overpaid and must be returned immediately. They often use fake VA logos, official-sounding language, and caller ID spoofing to seem legitimate. Once they gain your trust, they demand fast payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto. By creating a sense of urgency, these criminals hope you’ll act before confirming the message through official VA channels.

AI scams are targeting veterans

Scammers are now also using artificial intelligence to create more convincing and dangerous traps for veterans and military families. The VA warns that criminals are deploying AI-generated voices, deepfake videos, and fake military profiles to impersonate trusted officials or fellow service members. These scams often start with a friendly message or a supposed “urgent” request about benefits, pay, or medical updates.

AI tools make it easy for fraudsters to clone voices from social media posts or videos, creating realistic calls that sound like someone you know or a VA representative. Others use AI-written emails or fake websites that perfectly mimic government pages, tricking victims into sharing login details or banking information.

These AI-driven cons are spreading fast, blurring the line between what’s real and what’s not. Staying alert and verifying every message directly through official VA channels is now more important than ever.

Romance scams

Romance scams have become an increasingly painful reality for veterans, as scammers target them through fake online relationships to exploit their emotions and financial stability. Often, these scammers pose as attractive, understanding individuals on dating apps, social media platforms, or even support forums specifically tailored for veterans. They’ll build a relationship over weeks or months, using flattery and fabricated stories to create a strong emotional connection with their target.

Once the scammer believes they’ve gained enough trust, they’ll ask for money, typically by inventing a sudden, urgent situation. It might be a “medical emergency,” a supposed travel expense to come to visit, or even a claim that they need help with a legal matter. The requests start small but can quickly escalate as the scammer continues to manipulate the victim’s emotions. Romance scams remain a devastating threat to veterans and older adults.

Veterans benefit scams

Some scammers pretend to offer help with veterans’ benefits. They promise to help increase benefits or expedite claims, but they’re really after personal information or a fee. A scammer might claim you’re eligible for new or additional benefits, contacting you by phone, email, or text. When dealing with unsolicited advice, remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Phishing scams impersonating veteran and government agencies

Scammers are now crafting fake phishing emails and texts that look like they come from trusted sources, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, TRICARE, or VA lenders. These messages often use official logos and language to appear legitimate, claiming there’s a problem with your benefits, healthcare coverage, or account access. Their real goal is to get you to click a link or share personal details like your Social Security number or bank information.

Many of these phishing messages even use AI-generated text to sound more convincing and may include deepfake images or cloned VA official signatures. Clicking on the link can install malware that steals sensitive data or hijacks your device.

Some scammers go a step further by calling or texting veterans about “urgent” benefit updates or delayed disability payments. They pressure victims to confirm personal information or send small “processing fees.” Always verify these claims directly by logging into your official VA.gov account or calling the VA’s verified phone number, never from a link or message.

Rental property scams

Rental property scams are a common way scammers try to exploit people looking for a place to rent. In these scams, fraudsters often post fake listings for apartments or houses on popular rental websites or social media platforms. The listing might look too good to be true, like a beautiful place at an unbelievably low price.

The scammer will usually claim to be out of town or unavailable to meet in person, asking potential renters to send a deposit or rent payment upfront to “secure” the property. In some cases, they may even send fake lease agreements or claim that the property is already rented, but they can still “help” find a similar place.

Car sales and financing scams

Car sales and financing scams targeting veterans are unfortunately common. Scammers know that veterans may have limited experience with certain financial deals, so they exploit that by offering unrealistic car sales or financing options. These scams can take various forms, and the result is often financial loss and stress.

6 ways veterans can protect themselves from scams

Scammers continue to target veterans with new tricks each year, but a few smart steps can make all the difference in staying safe.

1) Be cautious with unsolicited offers

Whether it’s a phone call, email, or text, if someone claims to offer help with veterans’ benefits or promises something too good to be true, don’t take the bait. Verify the legitimacy of any offer directly through official channels like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or trusted veteran organizations.

2) Watch out for emotional manipulation in online relationships

Romance scammers often prey on veterans’ emotions. Avoid sharing personal or financial details with people you meet online, especially if the relationship feels rushed or too perfect. If someone asks for money after just a few weeks or months, it’s likely a scam.

3) Verify government communications

Scammers often impersonate government agencies like the IRS or VA. If you get a message that threatens penalties or asks for personal information, don’t respond. Instead, contact the agency directly using official contact details to confirm whether the message is legitimate.

4) Be skeptical of rental or car sale deals that seem too good to be true

If a rental listing or car sale seems too cheap or perfect to be true, it probably is. Always visit the property or dealership in person, and never send money upfront without seeing the product or having a signed agreement.

5) Protect your personal information with strong antivirus software 

Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. Scammers use phishing emails and fake websites to steal personal and financial information. Ensure your devices have updated security software, strong antivirus software, and be extra cautious when handling sensitive data online.

6) Invest in data removal services

Consider using data removal services to protect your personal information from being harvested by scammers. These services can help remove your data from public databases and people-search websites, reducing the risk of identity theft and unwanted solicitations.

Related Articles: 

• The hidden costs of free apps: Your personal information
• Don’t click that link! How to spot and prevent phishing attacks in your inbox
• Social Security Administration phishing scam targets retirees

Kurt’s key takeaway

Scammers are getting smarter, and they’re now using technology like AI to make their lies even more convincing. Veterans and military families continue to be prime targets because scammers know how much trust this community places in official channels. From fake VA messages to deepfake impersonations, their tactics are evolving fast. The best defense is awareness. Slow down, verify every message through official VA or .gov websites, and never share personal details over calls, texts, or emails you didn’t expect. Use trusted antivirus protection and consider data removal tools to keep your information out of public databases. This Veterans Day, the greatest way to honor service is to stay informed and protect yourself and your fellow heroes from those who prey on your sacrifice.

Do you think more needs to be done to protect military personnel from these types of scams? Let us know in the comments below.

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