As families across the country gather this Memorial Day to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation, Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to stay alert for scams that exploit patriotic themes, military service, and charitable giving.
Scammers often use holidays like Memorial Day to prey on emotions and create a false sense of trust. Military members, veterans, and their families are frequently targeted through fraudulent schemes involving fake discounts, phishing emails, moving scams, and questionable charity solicitations.
“Scammers know Memorial Day is a time when Americans want to support military families and charitable causes,” said Robyn Householder. “Unfortunately, criminals take advantage of that goodwill through fake charities, deceptive offers, and impersonation scams. Consumers should take a moment to research before donating, purchasing, or sharing personal information.”
BBB warns consumers to watch for the following scams commonly directed at service members and veterans:
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High-priced military loans with hidden fees and excessive interest rates
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Veterans’ benefits buyout plans offering far less than the value of future benefits
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Fake rental property listings using stolen photos and requiring upfront wire transfers
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Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moving scams involving fraudulent moving companies
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Phishing emails impersonating military or government agencies
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Misleading vehicle sales claiming military discounts or urgent deployment-related sales
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Fake military discounts on electronics, vehicles, and housing
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High-pressure sales tactics for unnecessary life insurance policies
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Deployment scams requesting emergency financial assistance
BBB encourages consumers to follow these tips to protect themselves:
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Research businesses and charities before making purchases or donations
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Never wire money to someone you do not know
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Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or text messages
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Use updated antivirus software and secure online practices
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Place an Active Duty alert on credit reports during deployment to help prevent identity theft
Consumers should also be cautious when donating to military-related charities. BBB recommends getting the exact name of the charity, avoiding organizations that pressure immediate donations, reviewing the charity’s financial transparency, and confirming whether the charity meets BBB Charity Standards.
For more information about scams impacting military members, veterans, and consumers, visit BBB Scam Tracker or BBB.org.
