Scammer charges a fee to apply for VA benefits — applying is always free
Scammers contact veterans by call, text, email, or social media claiming to be VA-approved reps who can get extra benefits, a 100% disability rating, or faster processing — for a fee. Applying for VA benefits is always free.
Also known as: VA benefits fee scam, fake VA accredited representative, VA claims agent fraud, veterans benefits application scam
Already happened to you? Do this in the next few minutes
- 1 Call your bank or card's fraud line right now. Use the number on the back of your card — not any number from the message or caller. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and freeze the account.
- 2 If you paid by gift card, wire, or an app (Zelle, Venmo, Cash App): contact that company immediately and report it as fraud. Acting fast sometimes recovers the money.
- 3 Report to the FBI at ic3.gov and the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The sooner, the better.
What to do right now
- 1 Never pay anyone to apply for VA benefits — applying is free at VA.gov, by calling 1-800-827-1000, or in person at any VA Regional Office
- 2 Verify anyone offering VA claims help using the VA's free Accreditation Search tool at va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp
- 3 Recognized Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) like the American Legion, VFW, and DAV also assist for free — find them at va.gov
- 4 If you provided your VA login, Social Security Number, or bank details, contact the VA VSAFE fraud hotline at 1-833-38V-SAFE and freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
- 5 Report to the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI's IC3 at https://www.ic3.gov.
Red flags
- ⚠ Someone contacts you out of the blue claiming to be from the VA or 'VA-approved' — real VA staff do not cold-contact veterans to sell services
- ⚠ They offer to get you a 100% disability rating or guarantee a specific outcome — not even legitimate accredited representatives can guarantee ratings
- ⚠ They charge any fee to help you apply for VA benefits — applying is always free, with or without an accredited representative
- ⚠ They pressure you to act immediately before a deadline or 'window' closes — VA benefits are not subject to expiration deadlines
- ⚠ They ask for your VA login credentials, Social Security Number, or bank details to 'verify' your eligibility or 'set up your benefit'