Tipp of the Week-Veterans fraud

Hello, Tipp City! Marc the Cop here,

This latest scam/fraud is one that really gets to me.   

Our veterans have earned their benefits through service and sacrifice, which makes it especially troubling that scammers are now targeting them. Across the country, reports are increasing of fraudulent schemes aimed at veterans and their families—often using fear, urgency, and official-sounding language to steal money or personal information.

Knowing what these scams look like is the first step in stopping them.

One of the most common schemes involves fake calls, emails, or letters claiming to be from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 

The message may say you were "overpaid" for benefits and that you must return the money immediately. Scammers often demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. These payment methods are a major red flag. The VA does not collect debts this way and does not threaten immediate arrest or loss of benefits without official written notice through your VA account or mail.

Another growing problem involves fraudulent "helpers" who promise to speed up VA claims or guarantee a disability rating—for a fee. Filing for VA benefits is free, and legitimate assistance is available through VA-accredited Veterans Service Officers. Anyone who asks for a percentage of your benefits or claims to have special influence inside the VA should be avoided. These operators often collect personal data, then disappear.

Education benefits are also subject to fraud. Some schools and individuals have been billing the VA for veterans who never attended classes or for services that were charged but not provided. While these cases usually involve criminal prosecution, they reduce resources available to veterans who truly need help and can place veterans in financial or legal trouble if their benefits are misused.

Scammers also use identity theft. They may ask for your Social Security number, bank account details, or VA login information under the guise of "verifying" your benefits. Once they have it, they can reroute payments or open accounts in your name.

First, never respond to unexpected calls or messages about your benefits without verifying them. Log in to your official VA.gov account or call an official VA number to confirm. Second, remember that the VA will never ask for payment using gift cards or crypto, and they will never ask for your password. Third, only work with VA-accredited representatives when seeking help with claims. Their services are free and regulated. Finally, talk about these scams with fellow veterans, spouses, and caregivers. A quick conversation can prevent a costly mistake.

If you suspect fraud, report it. You can contact the VA Office of Inspector General or file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Reporting helps protect not only you but also other veterans in the community. VSAFE.gov – Central Reporting & Resources. VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline 1-800-488-8244 — OIG Hotline phone.   Online complaint form: https://www.vaoig.gov/hotline/online-forms/  

Our veterans deserve respect, not exploitation. Staying alert, asking questions, and spreading the word are simple ways we can all help keep our hometown heroes safe from fraud.

The 9 PM routine is a nightly reminder for residents to remove valuables from their vehicles, lock their vehicle doors, secure their residences, turn on exterior lights, and activate all alarms and security systems.  

That is all for this week! Please be safe and care for one another. 

I'll see you in church on Sunday!

Sgt. Marc Basye (Ret.)

Do you have a suggestion for the Tip of the Week? Your input is valuable to us. You can email me at Marcthecop@tippgazette.com!   The opinions and statements in this column are those of the author, who is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency. This column is for entertainment purposes only. Persons referred to may be fictional for comedic purposes only.