Fraud, Identity Theft & Legal Protection: Safeguarding Veterans and Their Families in the New Year

As a new year begins, many Veterans take stock of what matters most: family, security, and the hard-earned benefits they earned through service. Unfortunately, this time of year also brings increased risk. Tax season, data breaches, and benefit renewals create prime opportunities for fraudsters and identity thieves to target Veterans and their families.

Awareness is the first line of defense. Understanding common scams and knowing how to protect yourself and your loved ones-helps ensure that your service continues to provide stability and peace of mind, not stress or loss.

Why Veterans Are Frequently Targeted

Veterans are often targeted because they receive predictable benefits, have public service records, and interact with multiple government systems. Criminals exploit this familiarity by posing as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), banks, or even legal representatives.

Common red flags reported by Veterans include:

• Emails or calls claiming there is a “problem” with VA benefits
• Requests to verify personal information to “prevent benefit interruption”
• Notices of tax filings or accounts opened without authorization

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), identity theft and government impersonation scams consistently rank among the most reported fraud categories nationwide.¹ Veterans, retirees, and seniors are disproportionately affected.²

VA Benefit Scams: What to Watch For

Scammers often present themselves as “VA advisors” or “benefits specialists” and may:

• Promise faster disability approvals or increased ratings for a fee
• Request Social Security numbers or VA login credentials
• Claim immediate action is required to prevent benefit loss

The VA does not charge fees for filing initial claims,³ and legitimate VA representatives will never pressure Veterans to share sensitive information under threat or urgency. When something feels rushed or threatening, it is often a warning sign.

Identity Theft and the Ripple Effect on Families

Identity theft is not just a personal inconvenience, it can have lasting consequences for families and estates. Fraudulent credit accounts, tax filings, or benefit claims may surface long after the initial incident, sometimes during estate administration or after a loved one’s passing.

This is especially concerning because:

• Identity theft of deceased individuals is common
• Dormant or unmonitored accounts are easy targets
• Public records and obituaries can be exploited

Without proper safeguards, survivors may face delays, confusion, and unnecessary legal hurdles during an already difficult time.⁴

Legal Steps That Help Protect Your Legacy

Protecting against fraud is not about fear, it is about preparation.  At our firm, we encourage Veterans to take a few proactive legal and organizational steps that can significantly reduce risk:

• Keep an updated list of important accounts and benefits

• Secure online access with strong passwords and multifactor authentication

• Designate trusted individuals through powers of attorney

• Ensure your estate plan authorizes someone to manage digital and financial matters

Clear documentation allows loved ones to act quickly and confidently if issues arise and reduces the opportunity for criminals to exploit confusion or delay.

A New Year Focused on Security and Peace of Mind

Service instills a sense of responsibility, not just for oneself, but for family and community. Taking steps to protect against fraud and identity theft reflects that same commitment. It helps ensure that benefits earned through service continue to support the people you care about most.

As the year begins, a thoughtful review of your legal and practical protections can help you move forward with confidence, knowing that your legacy is safeguarded against preventable risks.

If you would like help reviewing your protections or have questions about safeguarding your benefits, estate, or digital assets, we invite you to schedule a free 15-minute phone call with our team.

1.Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book (2024)
2. FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), Elder Fraud Report
3.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Beware of VA Benefits Scams
4. IRS Identity Theft Resource Center; IRS Publication 5027