10/02/2026
# # # Cyber Security Awareness Month: Protecting Veterans from Scams
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to remind our veteran community to stay alert to the growing number of scams targeting veterans, military retirees, and their families.
Scammers often see veterans as attractive targets because of earned benefits, retirement income, and the trust many veterans place in official-looking communications. Criminals may pose as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), the American Legion, veterans charities, or even fellow veterans seeking assistance.
Some of the most common scams include:
🇺🇸 **VA Benefits Scams** - Fraudsters claim they can help increase your benefits for a fee or ask for personal information to "verify" your eligibility.
💻 **Phishing Emails and Texts** - Messages may appear to come from the VA, Medicare, banks, or delivery companies, asking you to click links or provide account information.
🎖️ **Veteran Charity Scams** - Fake organizations use patriotic names and emotional stories to solicit donations that never reach veterans in need.
💰 **Investment and Pension Scams** - Criminals promise guaranteed returns, special veteran investments, or secret government programs that do not exist.
📞 **Tech Support Scams** - Someone calls claiming your computer has a virus and requests remote access or payment to fix a problem that doesn't exist.
To protect yourself:
✅ Never share passwords, banking information, or Social Security numbers through email or text messages.
✅ Verify requests by contacting organizations directly using official phone numbers or websites.
✅ Be suspicious of anyone demanding immediate action or payment.
✅ Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
✅ Talk with family members, especially older veterans, about current scam tactics.
Remember: The VA, banks, and legitimate organizations will not pressure you into making immediate decisions or demand sensitive information through unsolicited emails, texts, or phone calls.
As veterans, we've learned to stay vigilant and watch out for one another. Cybersecurity is no different. If something doesn't seem right, trust your instincts, slow down, and verify before you act.
**Protect your benefits. Protect your identity. Protect your fellow veterans.**