Veterans across the country have reported getting postcards in the mail saying they or their spouse might qualify for extra monthly veteran benefits. The catch: the “Veterans Savings Program” named on the mailer doesn’t exist. It’s a phishing scheme, and here’s what to watch for so you don’t fall for it.
Why This One Matters Here
San Diego County is home to roughly 240,000 veterans, one of the largest concentrations in the country, making this community a frequent target for scams that specifically invoke VA benefits. When a scam is built to sound official and government-issued, it’s often older veterans and their spouses who receive it first.
How the Scam Works
Scammers frequently pretend to be affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In this version, the postcard promises extra money through a “Veterans Savings Program” that simply doesn’t exist. To look convincing, it may list your actual state and reference real programs like CHAMPVA or TRICARE For Life.
The postcard pushes urgency — call now, or lose out. That urgency is the tell. Scammers count on you reacting before you have time to pause and verify. Their real goal is getting you on the phone so they can ask for your Social Security number, bank account details, or other personal information.
What to Do If You Get One
Don’t respond. Legitimate VA communications don’t pressure you to reply immediately or share sensitive details over the phone.
Contact the VA directly with any questions about your benefits ,using a number you already know is real, NEVER the one printed on the postcard. Start with the VA Benefits Hotline at 1-800-827-1000.
Spread the word. Scammers rarely target just one person; these postcards typically go out in batches to entire neighborhoods and zip codes. Telling a neighbor, a fellow veteran, or a family member what you received helps them recognize it too. You can also sign up for scam alerts at MilitaryConsumer.gov.
Report It. If you spot this scam or any other VA benefits scam, report it to th
e FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the VA at VSAFE.gov or 1-833-38V-SAFE.