Watch out for Fake "Veterans Savings Program" Postcards Targeting Veterans

Veterans and their families should be on the lookout for a new mail scam that falsely promises additional VA benefits.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is warning about fraudulent postcards promoting a so-called "Veterans Savings Program." The postcards claim recipients, or their spouses, qualify for extra monthly payments or additional benefits, including CHAMPVA, TRICARE, or dental coverage, regardless of their disability rating. 

The goal isn't to help Veterans receive benefits—it's to trick them into calling a fraudulent phone number, where scammers attempt to steal sensitive personal and financial information.

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How the Scam Works  

The postcard often looks official and may include language designed to create urgency, such as asking recipients to call within five days to avoid missing out on benefits. 

When victims call, scammers may: 

• Thank them for their military service to build trust.
• Claim they can help unlock additional VA benefits.
• Ask for personal information, such as:
  
  • Social Security numbers
  • VA identification numbers
  • Bank account information
  • Medicare or insurance details
• Attempt to use the information for identity theft or financial fraud.

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Red Flags to Watch For

If you receive a postcard or letter about VA benefits, be cautious if it:

• Promises "extra" VA benefits or monthly payments that seem too good to be true.
• Creates urgency by telling you to respond within a few days.
• Provides only a phone number with no official government website.
• Claims to represent the VA but asks for sensitive personal or financial information.
• References legitimate programs like CHAMPVA or TRICARE in a way that doesn't match information you've received through official VA channels.

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The VA will never ask for your Social Security number, bank account information, passwords, or login credentials in response to an unexpected mailing or phone call. If you're unsure whether a communication is legitimate, contact the VA directly using official contact information—not the phone number listed on the postcard. 

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If You Think You've Been Targeted

If you already called the number or shared personal information:

• Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately if financial information was disclosed.
• Monitor your financial accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity.
• Change passwords if you shared login credentials.
• Report the scam to the VA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

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Scammers are constantly changing their tactics, but staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself and the people you love. Carefull helps families spot potential fraud earlier with proactive financial monitoring, scam education, identity protection, and alerts that can help catch suspicious activity before it becomes a costly loss. Try Carefull free for 30 days. 

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