HELPFUL TIPS FOR VETERANS TO PROTECT THEIR BENEFITS

One of the most important investments you can make is your education. While your education benefits, such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, can help you further your education and launch an exciting new career, verifying the information published by educational institutions is essential.  

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) wants to ensure Veterans make the best education decisions this back-to-school season and receive value for their hard-earned benefits. We encourage Veterans and their beneficiaries to know the warning signs of education fraud and proactively prevent fraud. 

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF SCAMS TARGETING YOUR EDUCATION BENEFITS?

  • Scholarship Scams. Educational institutions may “guarantee” Veterans a scholarship in exchange for a redemption/processing fee.  
  • Seminars. Veterans may be promised a scholarship and financial aid under the guise of high-pressure sales pitches where they feel pressured to pay immediately or risk losing the so-called “opportunity.”
  • Free Gifts. Veterans may be promised incentives such as free laptops, gift cards, or other “freebies” for enrolling in courses.   

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOUR EDUCATION BENEFITS?

Report Suspicious Activity

  • If you miss a VA benefits payment, identify a discrepancy in payments, or find suspicious activity with your direct deposit account, contact the VA immediately at 800-827-1000.
  • File a complaint with Federal Trade Commission (FTC).