Veterans and military retirees are increasingly targeted by fraud and identity theft, with losses reaching $842 million from 2019 to September 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Scammers often impersonate law enforcement officers, banks, or government agencies to trick veterans into making payments or disclosing personal information. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is addressing this issue by establishing a task force and a permanent office dedicated to combating scams against veterans’ benefits. Advocates are calling for stronger banking safeguards and tighter regulations to protect veterans, whose pensions and benefits make them attractive targets for fraud.

Best Coverage: https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2023-12-21