It’s a sad reality that veterans are a popular target of scammers and fraudsters.

A 2021 AARP study found that:

• Veterans, active duty servicemembers, and their families are nearly 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population.
• Four out of five military and veteran adults were targeted by scams directly related to their military service or the benefits they receive.

AARP also reported that scammers stole $414 million from veterans, servicemembers, and their spouses in 2022, $140 million more than 2021, according to data from the Federal Trade Commission.

July is Military Consumer Protection Month and CalVet wants to help veterans fight back against scams and fraud. There is a wealth of helpful resources out there—here are some of the best.

CalTAP

CalVet’s California Transition Assistance Program (CalTAP) offers free virtual webinars on financial topics throughout the year. You can see their webinar schedule online. In addition, CalTAP offers helpful resources for financial literacy and benefit protection as part of their core curriculum.

California Attorney General’s Office

The California Attorney General’s Office website is a great resource, as it is chock-full of helpful information.

The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section investigates and prosecutes businesses that engage in deceptive practices targeting members of the armed forces, their families, and our veterans. The office works closely with law enforcement agencies, military legal assistance attorneys, and financial counselors throughout California. You can report misconduct by a business by submitting a complaint to the office. 

California Department of Consumer Affairs

The state’s Department of Consumer Affairs has a number of helpful resources, including a search tool where you can check if a California business—like a contractor—is properly licensed. If you have a complaint or concern with a licensee of a board or bureau under the department’s authority, report it to them and they will investigate.

Federal Trade Commission

The Federal Trade Commission’s Military Consumer website is a treasure trove of information, with a wide variety of financial readiness tools. Resources include tips on avoiding scams, best practices for keeping your personal information safe and secure, and how to monitor your credit reports. You may also submit a complaint to the Commission.

Department of Defense Military OneSource

For active duty servicemembers, the Department of Defense’s Military OneSource website has a number of financial and consumer resources. The “Protecting Your Finances” section includes a variety of tips and best practices, especially for those who are just getting started with personal finances.

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You are not Alone

Never forget that you have resources and support available to you. Check out the tools above, stay vigilant at all times, and reach out for help if you need it.