VA Fraud Alert: Beware of the “Veterans Savings Program” Scam

VSO Partners,

         A new mail scam is targeting Veterans with official-looking postcards that promote a fake “Veterans Savings Program.” The postcards advertise that Veterans and their spouses may qualify for up to $185 a month in additional Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits – including CHAMPVA, TRICARE, and dental coverage – regardless of their VA disability rating.

Scammers are implying association with the VA and pressuring recipients to call the listed number within five days of receipt. They are using flattery and praise to trick Veterans and beneficiaries into disclosing personal identifying information, including Social Security numbers and dates of birth.

VA has received reports of incidents of this scam from Veterans in multiple states, including Iowa, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.

VA is urging Veterans to protect themselves by applying the following guidelines:

• Never share personal or financial information with unverified contacts. 
• Don’t act on urgent requests from people you don't know. Legitimate VA communications will not pressure you to provide an immediate response or call you, unsolicited, for sensitive information. 
• If you receive a suspicious postcard, email, text, or call, ignore them, and do NOT call the number provided or click on any links. 
• Always verify the sender's identity, and when in doubt, contact VA directly at 1-800-MyVA411 (698-2411). 

Additional resources for VSOs to share with Veterans:

• VA News article: Fraud Alert: Beware the “Veterans Savings Program” Postcard Scam

June 10, 2026

Amy Kirby

Senior Program Analyst, Benefits Delivery Protection & Remediation

There is a new scam targeting Veterans. The latest tactic involves sending fraudulent postcards claiming you (or your spouse) are entitled to “extra VA benefits” or additional payments, including CHAMPVA, TRICARE, and dental coverage, regardless of a VA disability rating. Don’t fall for it.

These scammers claim to be affiliated with VA. They might instill a sense of urgency, pressuring you to contact them as soon as possible, or within five days. Their goal is to get you to call the number provided. Once you do, they will often use flattery and praise regarding your military service to gain trust. The scammer will attempt to obtain personal identifying information like your Social Security Number, bank account details or other sensitive information.

Never give this information over the phone or on the internet.

VA is monitoring the situation and urges you to remain vigilant against these fraudulent attempts to steal personal identifying information. You can help stop them:

• Refuse to engage.
• Do not call unverified numbers.
• Hang up immediately if you are contacted by unsolicited numbers.

Common scam tactics

• Unsolicited postcards, emails, texts or social media messages: Scammers will send communication claiming you qualify for extra VA benefits
• Fake authority on calls or emails: Scammers may pretend to be VA officials and claim there’s a problem with your benefits or account.
• Phishing attacks: Scammers may send emails or text messages that appear legitimate but are designed to steal personal information through malicious links or attachments.
• Payment requests: Scammers might demand payment using unconventional and untraceable payment methods, such as gift cards, wire transfers, bitcoin or prepaid debit cards.
• Social media interactions: Scammers may try to build trust through social media messages or friend requests, only to exploit that trust for their own financial gain.

How to protect yourself

• Never share any personal or financial information with unverified contacts.
• Don’t act on urgent requests from people you don’t know. Legitimate VA communications will not pressure you to respond immediately or provide sensitive information.
• If you receive a suspicious postcard, email, text or call, do not call the number provided or click on any links.
• Always verify the sender’s identity; when in doubt, call VA directly at 1-800-827-1000.
• Be cautious on social media. Ignore friend requests or messages from people you don’t know or recognize.

If something seems wrong

If you miss a VA benefits payment, notice a discrepancy, or suspect suspicious activity with your direct deposit, contact VA right away at 1-800-827-1000.

If you suspect you have experienced fraud, you can find out more and report to the appropriate agency at VSAFE.gov or by calling 1-833-38V-SAFE.

Don’t fall for these scams!

Staying vigilant and recognizing the warning signs is the best way to keep your personal information safe. For more information on how to protect yourself, visit VA News and VBA’s fraud prevention online.

Your information and your benefits are valuable. Let’s work together to outsmart scammers and keep your hard-earned benefits secure.

• SITREP video: $185 Veteran Benefits Scam Everyone Needs to Know About | VA Benefits | CHAMPVA | theSITREP
• Deputy Secretary Paul Lawerence’s Fraud Alert video

VSO Engagements

Office of the Secretary

Department of Veterans Affairs

Dear Gene,

I hope this message finds you well.

On behalf of Family Promise of Wayne County, I want to personally thank you for your generous donation of $500 on May 17, 2026.

As Executive Director, I have the privilege of witnessing both the challenges families face and the incredible generosity of community members who step forward to help. Your gift is more than a donation. It is an investment in local families who are working hard to overcome housing instability and create brighter futures for their children.

Every day, we meet parents who are doing everything they can to keep their families together, remain housed, and move forward despite difficult circumstances. Because of supporters like you, we are able to provide the resources, guidance, and support that help families find stability before a crisis becomes homelessness.

I also wanted to share a photo from our recent "Night Without a Bed" community awareness event. The 393 LED lights displayed that evening represented the 393 children identified as experiencing homelessness in Wayne County through the McKinney-Vento reporting process.

As darkness settled over the field, each light served as a reminder that behind every number is a child, a family, and a story. It was a powerful visual that brought our community together to reflect on both the reality of homelessness and the hope that comes when people choose to take action.

Your generosity is part of that hope.

Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us ensure that families in Wayne County have the support they need during some of life's most difficult moments. We are truly grateful for your partnership and the difference you are making in the lives of local children and families.

With sincere appreciation,

Nancy Ramos

Executive Director

Family Promise of Wayne County

P.S. Please accept my deepest thanks for standing alongside us in this work. The impact of your generosity extends far beyond a single gift, reaching families who need to know that their community cares and that they are not facing these challenges alone.