During Thursday’s “Doing Better Business” segment, Jo Ann Deal of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warned veterans and their families in Shreveport that a new mail scam is targeting them with postcards that claim extra monthly VA benefits are available through a program that does not exist.
How the scam works
The fraudulent postcards use the name “Veterans Savings Program” and often reference legitimate VA benefits such as CHAMPVA and TRICARE For Life to appear credible. The mailers may state that veterans or their spouses qualify for additional benefits and urge recipients to call a phone number printed on the card.
Scammers rely on pressure tactics, telling recipients they must act quickly or risk losing the supposed benefits. When the victim calls, the scammers request sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, bank account details, and other personal identifiers.
Official guidance
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises anyone who receives such a postcard to ignore it and never call the listed number. Legitimate communications from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) never demand immediate action or request personal information over the phone.
Veterans with questions about their benefits should contact the VA directly using a verified phone number. The VA Benefits Hotline is 1‑800‑827‑1000. The FTC also recommends sharing information about the scam with other veterans and family members to prevent further victimization.
How to report
Scams involving VA benefits can be reported to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the VA through the VSAFE portal (VSAFE.gov) or by calling 1‑833‑38V‑SAFE.
For additional resources on current scams and consumer‑protection tips, readers can visit the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker.
Why vigilance matters
Veterans are a respected and vital part of our community, and protecting them from fraud aligns with the values of family, faith, and individual liberty that our region holds dear. By staying informed and reporting suspicious activity, veterans and their loved ones help safeguard the integrity of the benefits they have earned.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
