Note: MOAA is a partner in the FightCybercrime.org Military and Veteran Program, which aims to protect servicemembers, veterans, and military families from falling victim to fraud. The below article from FightCybercrime.org is reprinted with permission.

You’ve made sacrifices, served, and supported loved ones through deployments, relocations, and transitions. The last thing you need is to be targeted by someone online looking to steal your money and information.  

Whether you’re stationed overseas, transitioning back to civilian life, or managing things at home while your partner is deployed, it’s important to know how these scams work, and what you can do to stop them. Let’s walk through the most common scams targeting the military community right now and the steps you can take to protect yourself and your community. 

[RELATED: MOAA.org/Scams]

Why the Military Community Is Targeted

Scammers see opportunity in chaos and the military lifestyle can feel chaotic at times. Constant moves, long periods of separation, frequent changes in routines, and a reliance on digital communication can make you and your loved ones vulnerable in ways. 

Here’s what scammers count on: 

• You’re used to last minute changes to orders and requests for information, so an “urgent request” will certainly sound plausible since you’ve dealt with those many times during service.
• You may trust someone faster if they say they’re a service member too; we feel comfortable with those we have things in common with
• Deployments or remote assignments can make it harder to verify information.
• Family members at home may feel isolated or overwhelmed; scammers are great at taking advantage of strong emotional feelings. 
  
  

You shouldn’t have to add “watch out for scammers” to your list of responsibilities, but awareness is one of your best defenses.

[RELATED: The ‘Long Con’: How to Avoid Relationship Investment Scams]

Common Scams Aimed at the Military Community

Most of the scams aimed at the military community can be hard to spot because they appear as something that seems ordinary, like a friend request, a housing ad, or a phone call from a “VA rep”. But the impact? It can be devastating both financially, emotionally, and even professionally. 

Social Media Impersonation

Social media has become a powerful tool for connection, but it’s also a playground for scammers. Increasingly, scammers are creating fake military profiles by stealing real service member’s names, photos, and personal details to gain trust, manipulate emotions, and exploit unsuspecting people.

Here’s what to watch out for: 

• Stolen identities. Scammers copy photos, bios, and service records to build convincing profiles across Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms.
• Fake deployment stories. Scammers often claim to be deployed or in active duty situations to create an excuse for their inability to video chat. 
• Requests for money. Scammers often ask for emergency travel funds, help with medical expenses, gear, or support for a “military charity.” 

Social media impersonation doesn’t just hurt the people being scammed, it damages the entire military community. These scams violate trust, put real service members at risk, and take advantage of the values in the military community.

[RELATED: How to Steer Clear of 'Task Scams']

Job Scams

Scammers know that military spouses and veterans are often looking for flexible or remote work, especially during transitions. These scams might appear as fake job listings promising great pay, or “veteran preferred” opportunities. These promises are then followed by an ask for personal information, application fees, or bank details. If a job seems amazing, ask a friend or a mentor what they think about the position. They may be able to see the red flags when you don’t because they are not emotionally invested in the opportunity. 

Military Lending Scams

Predatory lenders often advertise “military loans” with quick cash, or military only approval perks. In reality, these loans come with hidden fees, sky high interest rates, and abusive payment terms that can trap service members into long term debt. Always check with your base’s financial readiness office or military affiliated credit unions before signing any loan agreements. 

[RELATED: How to Protect Yourself (and Your Property) From Title Fraud]

Fake Rentals and Housing Scams

Moving frequently comes with the territory, but it also opens the door for housing scams. You might come across a beautiful listing near the base with a great price tag. The “landlord” says they’re also military and had to move quickly. They’ll ask for a deposit via wire transfer or prepaid card to “hold the place”. Then they disappear. 

If you can’t verify the property in person or through base housing offices, walk away. Never pay anything upfront without confirming ownership. Here’s how you can verify a listing:

• Use base housing referral offices whenever possible. They’re familiar with trusted listings.
• Check property records or search for the rental on multiple sites. If it appears under different names or prices, it’s likely a scam.
• Ask for a copy of the lease and verify that the person you’re talking to is the actual property owner or manager.
  
  

VA or TRICARE Impersonation Scams 

Veterans and service members alike are being targeted by scammers pretending to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or TRICARE. These scammers often sound or look official, even using official logos, spoofing legitimate phone numbers, and mimicking .gov email addresses. Scammers may say things like you need to update your file, confirm your benefits, or pay a small fee.

• The VA and TRICARE will never call, email, or text you out of the blue to request personal information or financial information.
• Official agencies do not charge fees to access or manage your earned benefits.
• Never click on links or download attachments from unexpected texts or emails, even if they look official.
  
  

If you’re unsure whether a message is real, contact your local VA office or the Defense Health Agency (DHA) directly, using contact information from va.gov or tricare.mil, not what the message provides. 

[RELATED: Latest Fraud Alert From VA Targets Medical Equipment Scams]

Pension Poaching and Benefit “Help” Scams

Scammers target veterans, especially older ones, by offering to “help” with VA pension or disability claims in exchange for a small fee. Some scammers pretend to be advisers or consultants and push veterans to restructure their assets in ways that can disqualify them from benefits later on. 

Another growing threat is benefit buyout scams, where scammers offer veterans a lump sum of cash in exchange for signing over future pension or disability payments, usually at a steep discount. These offers may seem tempting in a financial crunch, but they often leave veterans with far less than their benefits are worth and long term financial hardship. For any benefit related help, stick with accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) or trusted organizations approved by the VA, never someone who cold calls, charges upfront, or pressures you to sign quickly. 

What You Can Do to Stay Ahead of Scammers

You’ve got enough to manage without second guessing every phone call or email. But there are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself and others in the military community. 

Verify

Even if someone sounds like they could be credible, always double check their credentials. Scammers are experts at sounding legitimate. Don’t be afraid to pause, hang up, or ask for more information. To verify, go to legitimate websites like .gov or .mil to find legitimate contact information.

Look Out For Your Community and Report

Talk to your spouse, family, or veteran buddies. If you’ve seen a new scam making the rounds, speak up. A two minute warning could potentially save someone else thousands of dollars, not to mention their piece of mind. 

Getting affected by a scam can feel humiliating, but it shouldn’t. The scammers are professionals. They use pressure, emotion, urgency, and even military language to scam people. If it’s happened to you, you’re not foolish or weak, you’re human. Reporting doesn’t just help you heal, but it can help do a small part to protect others in the military community.

Here’s where to report: 

• FTC
• For VA Benefits Fraud 
• IC3 
  
  

Stay Vigilant, Stay Connected

Whether you’re on active duty, a spouse holding it down at home, or a veteran navigating civilian life, scammers are always trying to creep in and steal your money and information. Be sure to share this blog with others to equip them with the tools and education they need to be aware of common scams.