Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion (VSAFE)
Servicemembers, whether veterans or active duty military, you already know there are plenty of people out there trying to take advantage of you. Scammers don’t just throw random lines around — they specifically target military folks, veterans, and their families. VSAFE.gov is the government’s tool to help you spot these scams, get real information fast, and take action if you get caught.
Our guide breaks down what VSAFE is, how you can actually use it, and what to do if you or someone you know faces a scam.
What Is VSAFE?
VSAFE, or Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion is a free government program and website designed specifically to protect service members and their families from scams. It’s run by the Department of Veterans Affairs and works closely with other agencies that know how scammers try to take advantage of military communities.
Scams targeting military folks are getting smarter and more focused. Scammers may impersonate the VA, pretend to be Veteran Service Officers, or trick you into paying fake fees for benefits, housing, or loans. You need a reliable place to confirm what’s real and what’s not, which is what VSAFE is.
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Common Scam Scenarios and How VSAFE Helps
There are several scams servicemembers can fall prey to, but one of the most common starts with a phone call or email saying your VA benefits are at risk, your Social Security number needs to be confirmed, or you owe money.
The caller sounds official and might even have some of your personal info, which makes the whole thing feel legit. The scammer wants you to panic and give out sensitive information or money quickly.
VSAFE helps by telling you the common phrases and tricks scammers use, so that you can spot them a mile away, and gives you the official VA phone number to call and verify any claims. There’s also a dedicated VSAFE hotline to call if you’re unsure.
VSO Scams
Another scam involves fake Veteran Service Officers, or VSOs, who promise to file your claim or fix your benefits, but only for a fee or a cut of your back pay. They pressure you to sign paperwork quickly, saying the VA won’t help without their assistance. This scam works because many veterans don’t know which VSOs are official or accredited.
VSAFE helps by showing you how to check if a VSO is officially accredited by the VA and lists trusted groups (like the DAV or American Legion) that offer free help. It also warns you to avoid anyone asking for fees upfront or demanding back pay for their help.
Housing Scams
Fake housing or loan offers are also prevalent scams. You might see ads or get messages offering military housing, VA loans, or home buying help that sounds too good to be true. Scammers ask for deposits or fees before you move or start the loan process. Because housing and loans can be stressful, a quick, “easy” offer can be tempting.
VSAFE advises you to watch out for requests for payment up front, especially if they want gift cards or cryptocurrency.
It points you to official VA home loan information and approved lenders so you can confirm who’s legit. If you see suspicious housing ads or loan offers, VSAFE also encourages you to report them.
Job Scams
Job offers and phishing emails are another way scammers get you. Scammers pretend to be military recruiters or veteran-friendly employers, asking for personal details or money for a “guaranteed” job. These scams work because job searching can be frustrating, and an exclusive offer feels promising.
VSAFE helps by explaining what to look for in phishing red flags—for example, links that ask for login info or urgent payment requests. It gives tips for verifying job offers through official military or VA websites and tells you how to report phishing emails or texts.
These are just a few of the ways that scammers can leave their mark, and their scams change all the time.
Signs of a Scan: Verify Before You Act
Before you respond to any request involving your military status or benefits, run through a simple mental checklist. Check the email address or website domain. Is it a real government address ending in “.gov” or a trusted military site? If it isn’t, it’s likely there’s a nefarious attention behind the request.
Asking for money up front is also not something that government agencies typically do. If you’re pressured to act immediately, or you feel intimidated, that’s another sign of a scam.
Whenever you’re unsure, call official numbers to verify the story. If someone is offering to help with benefits or claims, ask if they are accredited by the VA and confirm this against VSAFE’s list.
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What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed
Nobody wants to admit they got scammed, but the faster you act, the better. First, report the scam immediately to VSAFE. They’ll guide you on the next steps. You should also contact the FTC’s identity theft resources if your personal information was stolen to start protecting your accounts and credit.
Don’t respond to scam emails or calls anymore — that just invites more trouble. Alert your bank or credit union if you share financial details so they can monitor or freeze your accounts. And finally, tell your unit, family, or friends so they don’t fall for the same scam.
Quick Tips to Stay Ahead of Scammers
Bookmark VSAFE.gov and save its hotline number, 1-833-388-7233. If a call or email feels off, don’t panic—take a breath and check with VSAFE before you respond. Remember, no legitimate government representative will threaten you or demand payment.
Keep your personal information locked down. Don’t share your Social Security number, bank info, or VA claim number unless you’ve verified who you’re dealing with.
VSAFE Is Your Defense Against Scammers
When you get that call, text, or email that makes you second-guess, don’t guess. VSAFE is your direct line to official help, scam education, and tools to recover if you get burned by a scam.
Visit VSafe.gov for more information.
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