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Don’t Be a Victim – Be Aware of Pension Poaching Scams

DON’T BE A VICTIM: BE AWARE OF PENSION POACHING SCAMS: 
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension exists to help financially disadvantaged wartime veterans and their survivors.

Be cautious if someone offers to move your assets around for you to qualify for VA pension. This type of scam is often directed toward veterans and family members who do not actually qualify for VA pension. You could be required to repay these benefits to the government.

Examples of possible pension poaching scams:

Organizations that cold call veterans, charge money for assisting with a VA pension claim, and take credit card information from veterans over the telephone.

People who charge as much as $6,000 upfront to represent claimants before VA, with a percentage of any eventual back payment from VA as a portion of the ultimate fee.

For more information about VA pension eligibility requirements—which include special monthly pension benefits—go to www.benefits.va.gov/pension or call 1-800-827-1000.

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What Veterans and Their Families Should Know When Applying for VA Pension Benefits