HELP VETERANS PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM SCAMS AND FINANCIAL ABUSE

Share information and resources with vets and their families to protect their finances:

• Post the downloadable web banner on your website and link it to http://www.centeronelderabuse.org/veterans.asp
• Send friends and colleagues the link to this webpage
• Download the large-print PDF version of this page with links, and forward it to friends and colleagues
• Print the 8-1/2" x 11" color poster (PDF) and display it in a prominent place (in Print settings, go to Page Scaling and make sure "Fit to Printable Area" is unchecked.)

Plan ahead: Things to know about your benefits

Annuities and Veterans Pension Qualification: What Retired Military Need to Know Before Transferring Assets to Qualify for Benefits
Consumer Alert from National Association of Insurance Commissioners

Veterans Affairs Aid and Attendance Benefits
FAQs to help you avoid scams and apply directly - from California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform

Protect yourself: Watch for scams and frauds

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

Information for servicemembers > Protecting your finances
The Consumer Federation of America provides a summary of protections against predatory lending for servicemembers
The Better Business Bureau’s Military Line offers information to avoid possible scams

Taking Aim at Old Soldiers: Seminars target vets with unwise investments
AARP Scam Alert

Vets' Annuities Draw Scrutiny
Investment News - registration is required, but it's free

Supporting the Troops: When Charities Solicit Donations on Behalf of Vets and Military Families
Federal Trade Commission

Report scams and suspected abuse

Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force provides tips on protection against fraud and information on how to submit complaints of specific types of suspected fraud to federal agencies. 

Federal Trade Commission operates the Consumer Sentinel Military Network, a database of consumer complaints from the military community and makes them available to law enforcement. The FTC doesn’t resolve individual disputes, but your complaint helps the FTC, Department of Defense and partners target cases for prosecution, shut down scammers, and alert the military community to scams.

Adult Protective Services   (APS) is a social services program provided by state and local governments nationwide serving seniors and adults with disabilities who are in need of assistance. APS workers frequently serve as first responders in cases of abuse, neglect or exploitation, working closely with a wide variety of allied professionals such as physicians, nurses, paramedics, firefighters and law enforcement officers.

Locate a local or state Adult Protective Services agency

Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are advocates for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes and assisted living facilities. They are trained to advocate for residents’ rights and resolve complaints made by or for residents of long-term care facilities.

Locate an Ombudsman, State Agencies and Citizen Advocacy Groups

Thank you to Shawna Reeves, MSW at California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR) for partnering to gather and share this information.