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Benefit and Pension Scams

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT THIS IS A SCAM?

As a veteran, you are contacted by an individual who says he/she can help you obtain special benefits, pension funds or investment funds through the government or a financial institution because of your military service. The individual often offers to assist you through the process of obtaining these benefits or funds, and serves as your only point of contact throughout the application process. However, you never see the promised benefits or financial returns of this arrangement.


HOW CAN VETERANS PROTECT THEMSELVES?

Protect your personal and financial information. Oftentimes, these scams are ploys to gain your personal information and steal your identity.

Monitor your accounts and bank statements regularly and check your credit report on a regular basis to stay on top of irregular charges or financial transactions that you didn’t authorize. You can request one free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies per year at www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.

Check the legitimacy of any veterans’ benefits or financial offers through your local Veteran’s Affairs office, especially those offered as government programs.


HOW TO REPORT IF YOU’VE BEEN A VICTIM

Ohio Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS): If you have been the victim of a scammer and are a veteran, you should contact the Ohio DVS (http://dvs.ohio.gov/) at 888-DVS-OHIO.

Hamilton County Veteran’s Services Commission: You should also contact the Hamilton County Veterans’ Services Commission (http://www.hamiltoncountyohio.gov/veterans/staff/) at (513) 946-3300.

Local police department: If you have been the victim of identity theft, immediately contact your local police department to file a report. Click here to obtain the contact information for your local police department.