Veterans Fraud Prevention Resources
Delaware Office of Veterans Services (OVS) is committed to supporting veterans by providing access to vital resources that help protect against fraud and scams. Below, you will find a list of valuable links to trusted organizations and tools designed to educate and safeguard veterans and their families:
- AARP Veterans Fraud Center – A comprehensive hub of resources and tips to help veterans recognize, avoid, and report fraud targeted at their community.
- V-SAFE (Veterans Scam and Fraud Education) – An official government resource focused on educating veterans about common scams and how to stay protected.
- Delaware Attorney General Fraud Unit – A state-run initiative to assist Delaware residents, including veterans, in identifying and reporting fraud.
- White House and VA Veterans Fraud Call Center – A collaborative effort between the White House and the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide a direct line for veterans to report fraudulent activities and seek assistance.
Delaware Department of Justice, Consumer Protection Unit
The Delaware Department of Justice, Consumer Protection Unit – often called “CPU” for short – thanks all veterans and their families for this opportunity to remind consumers of the types of scams – some targeted specifically to veterans – that can affect them and to provide contact information to report suspicious activity.
Scammers who target veterans often use tactics that leverage a veterans’ eligibility for a variety of benefits through the VA. Here are some common scams:
“Claims Sharks” attempt to charge high fees – often for services that are otherwise available to veterans free of charge – and avoid the laws and regulations in place that give accreditation through the VA Office of General Counsel to those who provide claims services. These regulations also prohibit charging a fee for an initial application. Often, unscrupulous actors will advertise false expedited processing times, or higher award rates.
“Pension Poaching” often targets older Veterans and attempts to lure Veterans into moving assets into annuities or trusts with overstated or false claims of eligibility for VA benefits. Often, these scammers steal personal information such as social security numbers and bank accounts during the process.
Veterans can also be targeted by variations of common civilian consumer scams. “Imposter scams” were the #1 scam in Delaware for 2024. Bad actors email, call or mail veterans, pretending to be an official governmental agency – often using forms, language and contact information that look “official” – all in an attempt to have the veteran send money, or to obtain a veteran’s personal identification information for nefarious purposes.
Need Help or Want to Report Fraud?
Contact the Delaware Department of Justice.
By calling: (800) 220-5424
By emailing: Consumer.Protection@Delaware.gov
By filling out a complaint: Delaware Attorney General – Fraud CMU Complaint Details
Learn more about the Consumer Fraud Division by visiting: Delaware Consumer Fraud Division
Quick Links to Stay Protected
- VA Website: VA Benefits Fraud Prevention
- VSAFE is a program created to support Veterans, service members, and their families with scam and fraud prevention: www.VSAFE.gov