New scam targeting seniors who served in the military

A consumer alert has been issued regarding scams targeting seniors who served in the military and their survivors.

“California’s veterans have made extraordinary sacrifices to keep our nation safe and uphold our most sacred values and freedoms,” said Attorney General Kamala Harris. “Sadly, many of our senior veterans are being targeted by scam artists seeking to take advantage of them for a quick profit. My office will continue to protect our veterans and ensure that predators who seek to profit from their service are held accountable.”

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office has received information from the California Department of Justice regarding “pension poaching.” These incidents target the financial assistance offered through the Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Program designed to assist veterans over 65 years of age. Individuals posing as insurance agents, unpaid volunteers or Veterans Affairs representatives offer to help senior veterans apply for VA pension benefits. The Sheriff’s Office recommends that all veterans remain cognizant that the VA offers a number of resources to assist them with questions or concerns regarding their benefits.

What to watch out for: Anyone who asks you to pay money or move assets in connection with applying for a VA pension benefit is likely not a VA-accredited representative. He or she may be an insurance agent or representative who receives a sales commission for selling you an annuity or irrevocable trust.

Moving assets into an annuity or irrevocable trust could restrict your access to these funds and may have significant unintended tax or legal consequences that outweigh any financial benefit gained from receiving VA pension benefits.

If you receive VA pension benefits based on false financial need, you could be required to repay any benefits received back to the government.

If you are approached by someone offering to help you apply for VA pension benefits and you would incur any costs or fees in connection with the service being offered, contact your local VA to determine whether this assistance is reputable. Be wary of sharing personal information over the phone. VA representatives will tell you what you need to know and the advice is free. Locally, you can contact:

Placerville Veterans Affairs Main Office
130 Placerville Dr. Suite #B
Placerville, CA 95667

For West Slope Appointments 530-621-5892
East Slope Appointments 530-573-7955 Ext. 5892

Read the full article.

Here is more useful information:
A directory of VA centers is available at www.va.gov/directory/guide/vetcenter.asp

You can also file a complaint with the California Department of Justice by visiting http://oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaint-against-business-or-company.

A searchable list of VA-accredited representatives is available at www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp or call 1-800-827-1000.

For more information about VA Aid and Attendance pension benefits, visit www.benefits.va.gov/pension.