Serving our country comes with sacrifice. Unfortunately, scammers know that the transition from military service to civilian life can also be a vulnerable time. Every year, bad actors target veterans by promising faster claims, guaranteed disability ratings, or "exclusive" access to benefits—all for a fee.
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Here's the truth: Applying for VA benefits is free. If someone asks you to pay to submit a claim or promises they can guarantee an outcome, it's time to walk away. Knowing how the process works can help you protect both your benefits and your finances.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not charge veterans to apply for benefits. Whether you're filing your first disability claim, applying for education benefits, or seeking pension benefits, the application process itself is always free. The FTC recently warned that scammers are increasingly targeting veterans with offers to "help" them file claims for a fee—even though those services are available at no cost through official channels.
These claims are false. No private company or individual can guarantee your claim will be approved or accelerate the VA's decision-making process.
Understanding how these scams work is one of the best ways to avoid becoming a victim.
Some scammers ask for hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars simply to complete paperwork that's available directly through the VA at no cost.
No one can promise you'll receive a specific disability rating or benefit amount. Every claim is evaluated based on the evidence and VA regulations.
If someone says they have inside connections or can move your application to the front of the line, that's a major red flag.
Scammers may request your Social Security number, bank account information, or VA login credentials under the guise of helping with your claim. Never share sensitive information unless you're working directly with an official, trusted source.
The good news is you don't have to navigate the process alone.
Before working with anyone who says they can assist with your claim, verify that they're accredited by the VA using the official accreditation search tool. Accreditation helps ensure you're working with someone authorized to represent veterans.
If you encounter any of the following, slow down before taking action:
Legitimate organizations want you to understand the process—not rush through it.
If you're preparing to file a claim, follow these best practices:
Apply directly through the Department of Veterans Affairs rather than using third-party websites that promise shortcuts.
Only work with VA-accredited representatives if you need help preparing or submitting your claim.
Scammers rely on urgency. Read every document carefully before signing anything.
Never provide banking information, passwords, or Social Security numbers in response to unsolicited calls, emails, or text messages.
If you believe someone attempted to scam you regarding your VA benefits, report it to the Federal Trade Commission and notify the appropriate authorities. Reporting scams helps protect other veterans as well.
Financial scams don't stop at VA benefits. Criminals also target veterans through fake investments, identity theft, tax scams, romance scams, and fraudulent debt relief programs.
Taking a few extra minutes to verify information before sharing personal details can save you significant financial stress later.
At Liberty Savings Bank, we regularly encourage our customers to be cautious of unexpected requests involving money or sensitive information. Fraud prevention is one of the simplest—and most valuable—ways to protect your financial future.
If you're looking for trusted information, start with these official resources:
Our veterans have already given so much in service to our country. They shouldn't have to worry about paying someone simply to access the benefits they've earned.
If you or someone you know is preparing to apply for VA benefits, remember that the process is free, trustworthy help is available, and taking a few moments to verify who you're working with can make all the difference.
At Liberty Savings Bank, we're proud to support the veterans, military families, and communities we serve. Whether it's helping customers recognize financial scams or providing resources that strengthen financial confidence, we're committed to being a trusted neighbor every step of the way.