Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.head.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_global_js_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_global_js.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.head.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/21/22 by <b>Scott Wegenast</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>According to an <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2021/fraud-scams-military-veterans.html?CMP=RDRCT-PRI-FRAUD-110821" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP survey</a></span></span>, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population. These individuals lost more than $267 million in 2021, up from $102 million in 2020 (a 162% increase), according to the<span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/CSN%20Annual%20Data%20Book%202021%20Final%20PDF.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP new resources identify top scams facing the District of Columbia’s military community and offers ways to fight back. Military veterans and active-duty service members are at risk of being targeted by scammers. In response,<b> </b>AARP launched its <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span>, a new online education and resource center to help protect veterans, service members and their families against fraud.<br><br>The data released from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in February 2022 painted a grim picture for the military community, which continues to be among the groups <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/scams-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most preyed upon</a></span></span> by con artists. Based on reports submitted by consumers in 2021, the number of fraud attacks against veterans, military members and their spouses jumped 69 percent compared to the previous year, according to the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2021 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book</a></span></span>. Of those 110,827 reports of fraud, 26 percent resulted in financial losses, which totaled $267 million. Individual victims within the military community reported losing more money than their civilian counterparts, with a median loss of $600, compared to $500 for civilians.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><div class="FullQuote" > <blockquote > "Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and the volunteer state president for AARP District of Columbia. “AARP launched this effort to alert veterans and their families of the latest scams and how to avoid them." </blockquote> </div></div> </div><p><font size="5" color="red"><b><b></b> <b>Top Scams Aimed at Veterans:</b></b></font><br></p><ul><li>Benefit Buyouts: Turning over U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension and/or disability benefits for a supposed lump-sum payment that never materializes (47%).</li><li>Fraudulent records scam: Paying for updated personal military records (32%).</li><li>The fake charitable giving request: Donating to fake veteran charities (32%).</li></ul><p>Free resources in the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span> include:<br></p><ul><li>A <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/home-and-family/voices/veterans/2022/04/watchdog-alert-fraud-handbook-veterans-aarp.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">new AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition</a></span></span>, highlighting tips to detect the most common ways con artists target veterans and military families;</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scam-Tracking Map</a></span></span>; and</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.uspis.gov/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Operation Protect Veterans</a></span></span>—a joint program of the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.</li></ul><p>Some top tips from the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> include: signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking service; using strong and unique passwords for each online account; using two-factor authentication when available; and placing a free security freeze on credit reports at each of the three major credit bureaus. Also, veterans never have to pay for their service records or earned benefits—if told otherwise, it’s a scam.<br><br>To learn more about the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and to download a free copy of the new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter</a></span></span>. For additional resources and information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, including caregiving, competing in today’s job market, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/veterans</a></span></span>.<br><br>More on Veterans<br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/free-coronavirus-resources.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resources to aid veterans, military and families</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2022/racial-disparities-military-community-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans, service members of color grapple with disparities</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/health-benefits-navigator.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP’s Health Benefits Navigator: A tool crucial for veterans, caregivers</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington, DC. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank">AARP Washington, DC</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/strategies-to-help-enhance-your-job-search-washington-dc-3425-1130-am-et-wlnqzyjf954.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-STRATEGIES-TO-HELP-ENHANCE-YOUR-JOB-SEARCH">Strategies to Help Enhance Your Job Search</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Palisades Neighborhood Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/spotting-scams-staying-safe-washington-dc-31125-1100-am-et-wwn4rxy9c4m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SPOTTING-SCAMS-STAYING-SAFE">Spotting Scams & Staying Safe</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Woodridge Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-careversations-washington-dc-31125-600-pm-et-6qnn35mx7fw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CAREVERSATIONS-CARING-FOR-A-LOVED-ONE">AARP CAREversations: Caring for A Loved One</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (Community Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />District of Columbia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:DCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington, DC</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-district-of-columbia-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WASHINGTON-DC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPDC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</title> <meta name="page_title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust" name="description"/> <meta content="New, Resources, Identify, Top, Scams, District, of, Columbia, Military, Community, How, Fight, Back" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington-dc/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back-dc-2022-04-21.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta property="og:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/21/22 by <b>Scott Wegenast</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>According to an <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2021/fraud-scams-military-veterans.html?CMP=RDRCT-PRI-FRAUD-110821" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP survey</a></span></span>, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population. These individuals lost more than $267 million in 2021, up from $102 million in 2020 (a 162% increase), according to the<span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/CSN%20Annual%20Data%20Book%202021%20Final%20PDF.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP new resources identify top scams facing the District of Columbia’s military community and offers ways to fight back. Military veterans and active-duty service members are at risk of being targeted by scammers. In response,<b> </b>AARP launched its <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span>, a new online education and resource center to help protect veterans, service members and their families against fraud.<br><br>The data released from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in February 2022 painted a grim picture for the military community, which continues to be among the groups <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/scams-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most preyed upon</a></span></span> by con artists. Based on reports submitted by consumers in 2021, the number of fraud attacks against veterans, military members and their spouses jumped 69 percent compared to the previous year, according to the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2021 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book</a></span></span>. Of those 110,827 reports of fraud, 26 percent resulted in financial losses, which totaled $267 million. Individual victims within the military community reported losing more money than their civilian counterparts, with a median loss of $600, compared to $500 for civilians.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><div class="FullQuote" > <blockquote > "Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and the volunteer state president for AARP District of Columbia. “AARP launched this effort to alert veterans and their families of the latest scams and how to avoid them." </blockquote> </div></div> </div><p><font size="5" color="red"><b><b></b> <b>Top Scams Aimed at Veterans:</b></b></font><br></p><ul><li>Benefit Buyouts: Turning over U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension and/or disability benefits for a supposed lump-sum payment that never materializes (47%).</li><li>Fraudulent records scam: Paying for updated personal military records (32%).</li><li>The fake charitable giving request: Donating to fake veteran charities (32%).</li></ul><p>Free resources in the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span> include:<br></p><ul><li>A <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/home-and-family/voices/veterans/2022/04/watchdog-alert-fraud-handbook-veterans-aarp.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">new AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition</a></span></span>, highlighting tips to detect the most common ways con artists target veterans and military families;</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scam-Tracking Map</a></span></span>; and</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.uspis.gov/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Operation Protect Veterans</a></span></span>—a joint program of the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.</li></ul><p>Some top tips from the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> include: signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking service; using strong and unique passwords for each online account; using two-factor authentication when available; and placing a free security freeze on credit reports at each of the three major credit bureaus. Also, veterans never have to pay for their service records or earned benefits—if told otherwise, it’s a scam.<br><br>To learn more about the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and to download a free copy of the new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter</a></span></span>. For additional resources and information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, including caregiving, competing in today’s job market, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/veterans</a></span></span>.<br><br>More on Veterans<br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/free-coronavirus-resources.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resources to aid veterans, military and families</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2022/racial-disparities-military-community-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans, service members of color grapple with disparities</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/health-benefits-navigator.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP’s Health Benefits Navigator: A tool crucial for veterans, caregivers</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington, DC. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank">AARP Washington, DC</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/strategies-to-help-enhance-your-job-search-washington-dc-3425-1130-am-et-wlnqzyjf954.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-STRATEGIES-TO-HELP-ENHANCE-YOUR-JOB-SEARCH">Strategies to Help Enhance Your Job Search</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Palisades Neighborhood Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/spotting-scams-staying-safe-washington-dc-31125-1100-am-et-wwn4rxy9c4m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SPOTTING-SCAMS-STAYING-SAFE">Spotting Scams & Staying Safe</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Woodridge Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-careversations-washington-dc-31125-600-pm-et-6qnn35mx7fw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CAREVERSATIONS-CARING-FOR-A-LOVED-ONE">AARP CAREversations: Caring for A Loved One</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (Community Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />District of Columbia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:DCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington, DC</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-district-of-columbia-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WASHINGTON-DC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPDC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</title> <meta name="page_title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust" name="description"/> <meta content="New, Resources, Identify, Top, Scams, District, of, Columbia, Military, Community, How, Fight, Back" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington-dc/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back-dc-2022-04-21.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta property="og:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '240925' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '/* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }'include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.head.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_global_js_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_global_js.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.head.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/21/22 by <b>Scott Wegenast</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>According to an <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2021/fraud-scams-military-veterans.html?CMP=RDRCT-PRI-FRAUD-110821" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP survey</a></span></span>, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population. These individuals lost more than $267 million in 2021, up from $102 million in 2020 (a 162% increase), according to the<span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/CSN%20Annual%20Data%20Book%202021%20Final%20PDF.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP new resources identify top scams facing the District of Columbia’s military community and offers ways to fight back. Military veterans and active-duty service members are at risk of being targeted by scammers. In response,<b> </b>AARP launched its <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span>, a new online education and resource center to help protect veterans, service members and their families against fraud.<br><br>The data released from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in February 2022 painted a grim picture for the military community, which continues to be among the groups <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/scams-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most preyed upon</a></span></span> by con artists. Based on reports submitted by consumers in 2021, the number of fraud attacks against veterans, military members and their spouses jumped 69 percent compared to the previous year, according to the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2021 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book</a></span></span>. Of those 110,827 reports of fraud, 26 percent resulted in financial losses, which totaled $267 million. Individual victims within the military community reported losing more money than their civilian counterparts, with a median loss of $600, compared to $500 for civilians.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><div class="FullQuote" > <blockquote > "Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and the volunteer state president for AARP District of Columbia. “AARP launched this effort to alert veterans and their families of the latest scams and how to avoid them." </blockquote> </div></div> </div><p><font size="5" color="red"><b><b></b> <b>Top Scams Aimed at Veterans:</b></b></font><br></p><ul><li>Benefit Buyouts: Turning over U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension and/or disability benefits for a supposed lump-sum payment that never materializes (47%).</li><li>Fraudulent records scam: Paying for updated personal military records (32%).</li><li>The fake charitable giving request: Donating to fake veteran charities (32%).</li></ul><p>Free resources in the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span> include:<br></p><ul><li>A <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/home-and-family/voices/veterans/2022/04/watchdog-alert-fraud-handbook-veterans-aarp.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">new AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition</a></span></span>, highlighting tips to detect the most common ways con artists target veterans and military families;</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scam-Tracking Map</a></span></span>; and</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.uspis.gov/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Operation Protect Veterans</a></span></span>—a joint program of the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.</li></ul><p>Some top tips from the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> include: signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking service; using strong and unique passwords for each online account; using two-factor authentication when available; and placing a free security freeze on credit reports at each of the three major credit bureaus. Also, veterans never have to pay for their service records or earned benefits—if told otherwise, it’s a scam.<br><br>To learn more about the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and to download a free copy of the new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter</a></span></span>. For additional resources and information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, including caregiving, competing in today’s job market, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/veterans</a></span></span>.<br><br>More on Veterans<br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/free-coronavirus-resources.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resources to aid veterans, military and families</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2022/racial-disparities-military-community-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans, service members of color grapple with disparities</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/health-benefits-navigator.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP’s Health Benefits Navigator: A tool crucial for veterans, caregivers</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington, DC. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank">AARP Washington, DC</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/strategies-to-help-enhance-your-job-search-washington-dc-3425-1130-am-et-wlnqzyjf954.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-STRATEGIES-TO-HELP-ENHANCE-YOUR-JOB-SEARCH">Strategies to Help Enhance Your Job Search</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Palisades Neighborhood Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/spotting-scams-staying-safe-washington-dc-31125-1100-am-et-wwn4rxy9c4m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SPOTTING-SCAMS-STAYING-SAFE">Spotting Scams & Staying Safe</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Woodridge Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-careversations-washington-dc-31125-600-pm-et-6qnn35mx7fw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CAREVERSATIONS-CARING-FOR-A-LOVED-ONE">AARP CAREversations: Caring for A Loved One</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (Community Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />District of Columbia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:DCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington, DC</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-district-of-columbia-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WASHINGTON-DC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPDC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</title> <meta name="page_title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust" name="description"/> <meta content="New, Resources, Identify, Top, Scams, District, of, Columbia, Military, Community, How, Fight, Back" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington-dc/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back-dc-2022-04-21.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta property="og:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/21/22 by <b>Scott Wegenast</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>According to an <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2021/fraud-scams-military-veterans.html?CMP=RDRCT-PRI-FRAUD-110821" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP survey</a></span></span>, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population. These individuals lost more than $267 million in 2021, up from $102 million in 2020 (a 162% increase), according to the<span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/CSN%20Annual%20Data%20Book%202021%20Final%20PDF.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP new resources identify top scams facing the District of Columbia’s military community and offers ways to fight back. Military veterans and active-duty service members are at risk of being targeted by scammers. In response,<b> </b>AARP launched its <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span>, a new online education and resource center to help protect veterans, service members and their families against fraud.<br><br>The data released from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in February 2022 painted a grim picture for the military community, which continues to be among the groups <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/scams-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most preyed upon</a></span></span> by con artists. Based on reports submitted by consumers in 2021, the number of fraud attacks against veterans, military members and their spouses jumped 69 percent compared to the previous year, according to the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2021 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book</a></span></span>. Of those 110,827 reports of fraud, 26 percent resulted in financial losses, which totaled $267 million. Individual victims within the military community reported losing more money than their civilian counterparts, with a median loss of $600, compared to $500 for civilians.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><div class="FullQuote" > <blockquote > "Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and the volunteer state president for AARP District of Columbia. “AARP launched this effort to alert veterans and their families of the latest scams and how to avoid them." </blockquote> </div></div> </div><p><font size="5" color="red"><b><b></b> <b>Top Scams Aimed at Veterans:</b></b></font><br></p><ul><li>Benefit Buyouts: Turning over U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension and/or disability benefits for a supposed lump-sum payment that never materializes (47%).</li><li>Fraudulent records scam: Paying for updated personal military records (32%).</li><li>The fake charitable giving request: Donating to fake veteran charities (32%).</li></ul><p>Free resources in the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span> include:<br></p><ul><li>A <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/home-and-family/voices/veterans/2022/04/watchdog-alert-fraud-handbook-veterans-aarp.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">new AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition</a></span></span>, highlighting tips to detect the most common ways con artists target veterans and military families;</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scam-Tracking Map</a></span></span>; and</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.uspis.gov/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Operation Protect Veterans</a></span></span>—a joint program of the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.</li></ul><p>Some top tips from the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> include: signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking service; using strong and unique passwords for each online account; using two-factor authentication when available; and placing a free security freeze on credit reports at each of the three major credit bureaus. Also, veterans never have to pay for their service records or earned benefits—if told otherwise, it’s a scam.<br><br>To learn more about the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and to download a free copy of the new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter</a></span></span>. For additional resources and information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, including caregiving, competing in today’s job market, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/veterans</a></span></span>.<br><br>More on Veterans<br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/free-coronavirus-resources.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resources to aid veterans, military and families</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2022/racial-disparities-military-community-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans, service members of color grapple with disparities</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/health-benefits-navigator.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP’s Health Benefits Navigator: A tool crucial for veterans, caregivers</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington, DC. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank">AARP Washington, DC</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/strategies-to-help-enhance-your-job-search-washington-dc-3425-1130-am-et-wlnqzyjf954.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-STRATEGIES-TO-HELP-ENHANCE-YOUR-JOB-SEARCH">Strategies to Help Enhance Your Job Search</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Palisades Neighborhood Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/spotting-scams-staying-safe-washington-dc-31125-1100-am-et-wwn4rxy9c4m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SPOTTING-SCAMS-STAYING-SAFE">Spotting Scams & Staying Safe</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Woodridge Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-careversations-washington-dc-31125-600-pm-et-6qnn35mx7fw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CAREVERSATIONS-CARING-FOR-A-LOVED-ONE">AARP CAREversations: Caring for A Loved One</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (Community Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />District of Columbia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:DCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington, DC</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-district-of-columbia-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WASHINGTON-DC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPDC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</title> <meta name="page_title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust" name="description"/> <meta content="New, Resources, Identify, Top, Scams, District, of, Columbia, Military, Community, How, Fight, Back" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington-dc/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back-dc-2022-04-21.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta property="og:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '240925' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '/* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }'include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.head.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/21/22 by <b>Scott Wegenast</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>According to an <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2021/fraud-scams-military-veterans.html?CMP=RDRCT-PRI-FRAUD-110821" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP survey</a></span></span>, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population. These individuals lost more than $267 million in 2021, up from $102 million in 2020 (a 162% increase), according to the<span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/CSN%20Annual%20Data%20Book%202021%20Final%20PDF.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP new resources identify top scams facing the District of Columbia’s military community and offers ways to fight back. Military veterans and active-duty service members are at risk of being targeted by scammers. In response,<b> </b>AARP launched its <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span>, a new online education and resource center to help protect veterans, service members and their families against fraud.<br><br>The data released from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in February 2022 painted a grim picture for the military community, which continues to be among the groups <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/scams-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most preyed upon</a></span></span> by con artists. Based on reports submitted by consumers in 2021, the number of fraud attacks against veterans, military members and their spouses jumped 69 percent compared to the previous year, according to the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2021 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book</a></span></span>. Of those 110,827 reports of fraud, 26 percent resulted in financial losses, which totaled $267 million. Individual victims within the military community reported losing more money than their civilian counterparts, with a median loss of $600, compared to $500 for civilians.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><div class="FullQuote" > <blockquote > "Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and the volunteer state president for AARP District of Columbia. “AARP launched this effort to alert veterans and their families of the latest scams and how to avoid them." </blockquote> </div></div> </div><p><font size="5" color="red"><b><b></b> <b>Top Scams Aimed at Veterans:</b></b></font><br></p><ul><li>Benefit Buyouts: Turning over U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension and/or disability benefits for a supposed lump-sum payment that never materializes (47%).</li><li>Fraudulent records scam: Paying for updated personal military records (32%).</li><li>The fake charitable giving request: Donating to fake veteran charities (32%).</li></ul><p>Free resources in the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span> include:<br></p><ul><li>A <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/home-and-family/voices/veterans/2022/04/watchdog-alert-fraud-handbook-veterans-aarp.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">new AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition</a></span></span>, highlighting tips to detect the most common ways con artists target veterans and military families;</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scam-Tracking Map</a></span></span>; and</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.uspis.gov/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Operation Protect Veterans</a></span></span>—a joint program of the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.</li></ul><p>Some top tips from the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> include: signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking service; using strong and unique passwords for each online account; using two-factor authentication when available; and placing a free security freeze on credit reports at each of the three major credit bureaus. Also, veterans never have to pay for their service records or earned benefits—if told otherwise, it’s a scam.<br><br>To learn more about the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and to download a free copy of the new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter</a></span></span>. For additional resources and information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, including caregiving, competing in today’s job market, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/veterans</a></span></span>.<br><br>More on Veterans<br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/free-coronavirus-resources.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resources to aid veterans, military and families</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2022/racial-disparities-military-community-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans, service members of color grapple with disparities</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/health-benefits-navigator.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP’s Health Benefits Navigator: A tool crucial for veterans, caregivers</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington, DC. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank">AARP Washington, DC</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/strategies-to-help-enhance-your-job-search-washington-dc-3425-1130-am-et-wlnqzyjf954.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-STRATEGIES-TO-HELP-ENHANCE-YOUR-JOB-SEARCH">Strategies to Help Enhance Your Job Search</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Palisades Neighborhood Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/spotting-scams-staying-safe-washington-dc-31125-1100-am-et-wwn4rxy9c4m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SPOTTING-SCAMS-STAYING-SAFE">Spotting Scams & Staying Safe</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Woodridge Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-careversations-washington-dc-31125-600-pm-et-6qnn35mx7fw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CAREVERSATIONS-CARING-FOR-A-LOVED-ONE">AARP CAREversations: Caring for A Loved One</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (Community Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />District of Columbia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:DCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington, DC</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-district-of-columbia-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WASHINGTON-DC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPDC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</title> <meta name="page_title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust" name="description"/> <meta content="New, Resources, Identify, Top, Scams, District, of, Columbia, Military, Community, How, Fight, Back" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington-dc/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back-dc-2022-04-21.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta property="og:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/21/22 by <b>Scott Wegenast</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>According to an <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2021/fraud-scams-military-veterans.html?CMP=RDRCT-PRI-FRAUD-110821" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP survey</a></span></span>, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population. These individuals lost more than $267 million in 2021, up from $102 million in 2020 (a 162% increase), according to the<span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/CSN%20Annual%20Data%20Book%202021%20Final%20PDF.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP new resources identify top scams facing the District of Columbia’s military community and offers ways to fight back. Military veterans and active-duty service members are at risk of being targeted by scammers. In response,<b> </b>AARP launched its <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span>, a new online education and resource center to help protect veterans, service members and their families against fraud.<br><br>The data released from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in February 2022 painted a grim picture for the military community, which continues to be among the groups <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/scams-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most preyed upon</a></span></span> by con artists. Based on reports submitted by consumers in 2021, the number of fraud attacks against veterans, military members and their spouses jumped 69 percent compared to the previous year, according to the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2021 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book</a></span></span>. Of those 110,827 reports of fraud, 26 percent resulted in financial losses, which totaled $267 million. Individual victims within the military community reported losing more money than their civilian counterparts, with a median loss of $600, compared to $500 for civilians.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><div class="FullQuote" > <blockquote > "Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and the volunteer state president for AARP District of Columbia. “AARP launched this effort to alert veterans and their families of the latest scams and how to avoid them." </blockquote> </div></div> </div><p><font size="5" color="red"><b><b></b> <b>Top Scams Aimed at Veterans:</b></b></font><br></p><ul><li>Benefit Buyouts: Turning over U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension and/or disability benefits for a supposed lump-sum payment that never materializes (47%).</li><li>Fraudulent records scam: Paying for updated personal military records (32%).</li><li>The fake charitable giving request: Donating to fake veteran charities (32%).</li></ul><p>Free resources in the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span> include:<br></p><ul><li>A <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/home-and-family/voices/veterans/2022/04/watchdog-alert-fraud-handbook-veterans-aarp.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">new AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition</a></span></span>, highlighting tips to detect the most common ways con artists target veterans and military families;</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scam-Tracking Map</a></span></span>; and</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.uspis.gov/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Operation Protect Veterans</a></span></span>—a joint program of the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.</li></ul><p>Some top tips from the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> include: signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking service; using strong and unique passwords for each online account; using two-factor authentication when available; and placing a free security freeze on credit reports at each of the three major credit bureaus. Also, veterans never have to pay for their service records or earned benefits—if told otherwise, it’s a scam.<br><br>To learn more about the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and to download a free copy of the new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter</a></span></span>. For additional resources and information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, including caregiving, competing in today’s job market, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/veterans</a></span></span>.<br><br>More on Veterans<br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/free-coronavirus-resources.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resources to aid veterans, military and families</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2022/racial-disparities-military-community-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans, service members of color grapple with disparities</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/health-benefits-navigator.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP’s Health Benefits Navigator: A tool crucial for veterans, caregivers</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington, DC. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank">AARP Washington, DC</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/strategies-to-help-enhance-your-job-search-washington-dc-3425-1130-am-et-wlnqzyjf954.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-STRATEGIES-TO-HELP-ENHANCE-YOUR-JOB-SEARCH">Strategies to Help Enhance Your Job Search</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Palisades Neighborhood Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/spotting-scams-staying-safe-washington-dc-31125-1100-am-et-wwn4rxy9c4m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SPOTTING-SCAMS-STAYING-SAFE">Spotting Scams & Staying Safe</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Woodridge Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-careversations-washington-dc-31125-600-pm-et-6qnn35mx7fw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CAREVERSATIONS-CARING-FOR-A-LOVED-ONE">AARP CAREversations: Caring for A Loved One</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (Community Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />District of Columbia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:DCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington, DC</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-district-of-columbia-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WASHINGTON-DC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPDC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</title> <meta name="page_title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust" name="description"/> <meta content="New, Resources, Identify, Top, Scams, District, of, Columbia, Military, Community, How, Fight, Back" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington-dc/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back-dc-2022-04-21.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta property="og:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '240925' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '/* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }'include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.head.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/21/22 by <b>Scott Wegenast</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>According to an <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2021/fraud-scams-military-veterans.html?CMP=RDRCT-PRI-FRAUD-110821" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP survey</a></span></span>, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population. These individuals lost more than $267 million in 2021, up from $102 million in 2020 (a 162% increase), according to the<span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/CSN%20Annual%20Data%20Book%202021%20Final%20PDF.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP new resources identify top scams facing the District of Columbia’s military community and offers ways to fight back. Military veterans and active-duty service members are at risk of being targeted by scammers. In response,<b> </b>AARP launched its <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span>, a new online education and resource center to help protect veterans, service members and their families against fraud.<br><br>The data released from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in February 2022 painted a grim picture for the military community, which continues to be among the groups <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/scams-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most preyed upon</a></span></span> by con artists. Based on reports submitted by consumers in 2021, the number of fraud attacks against veterans, military members and their spouses jumped 69 percent compared to the previous year, according to the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2021 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book</a></span></span>. Of those 110,827 reports of fraud, 26 percent resulted in financial losses, which totaled $267 million. Individual victims within the military community reported losing more money than their civilian counterparts, with a median loss of $600, compared to $500 for civilians.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><div class="FullQuote" > <blockquote > "Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and the volunteer state president for AARP District of Columbia. “AARP launched this effort to alert veterans and their families of the latest scams and how to avoid them." </blockquote> </div></div> </div><p><font size="5" color="red"><b><b></b> <b>Top Scams Aimed at Veterans:</b></b></font><br></p><ul><li>Benefit Buyouts: Turning over U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension and/or disability benefits for a supposed lump-sum payment that never materializes (47%).</li><li>Fraudulent records scam: Paying for updated personal military records (32%).</li><li>The fake charitable giving request: Donating to fake veteran charities (32%).</li></ul><p>Free resources in the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span> include:<br></p><ul><li>A <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/home-and-family/voices/veterans/2022/04/watchdog-alert-fraud-handbook-veterans-aarp.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">new AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition</a></span></span>, highlighting tips to detect the most common ways con artists target veterans and military families;</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scam-Tracking Map</a></span></span>; and</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.uspis.gov/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Operation Protect Veterans</a></span></span>—a joint program of the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.</li></ul><p>Some top tips from the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> include: signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking service; using strong and unique passwords for each online account; using two-factor authentication when available; and placing a free security freeze on credit reports at each of the three major credit bureaus. Also, veterans never have to pay for their service records or earned benefits—if told otherwise, it’s a scam.<br><br>To learn more about the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and to download a free copy of the new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter</a></span></span>. For additional resources and information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, including caregiving, competing in today’s job market, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/veterans</a></span></span>.<br><br>More on Veterans<br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/free-coronavirus-resources.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resources to aid veterans, military and families</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2022/racial-disparities-military-community-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans, service members of color grapple with disparities</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/health-benefits-navigator.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP’s Health Benefits Navigator: A tool crucial for veterans, caregivers</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington, DC. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank">AARP Washington, DC</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/strategies-to-help-enhance-your-job-search-washington-dc-3425-1130-am-et-wlnqzyjf954.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-STRATEGIES-TO-HELP-ENHANCE-YOUR-JOB-SEARCH">Strategies to Help Enhance Your Job Search</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Palisades Neighborhood Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/spotting-scams-staying-safe-washington-dc-31125-1100-am-et-wwn4rxy9c4m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SPOTTING-SCAMS-STAYING-SAFE">Spotting Scams & Staying Safe</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Woodridge Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-careversations-washington-dc-31125-600-pm-et-6qnn35mx7fw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CAREVERSATIONS-CARING-FOR-A-LOVED-ONE">AARP CAREversations: Caring for A Loved One</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (Community Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />District of Columbia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:DCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington, DC</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-district-of-columbia-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WASHINGTON-DC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPDC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</title> <meta name="page_title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust" name="description"/> <meta content="New, Resources, Identify, Top, Scams, District, of, Columbia, Military, Community, How, Fight, Back" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington-dc/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back-dc-2022-04-21.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta property="og:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/21/22 by <b>Scott Wegenast</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>According to an <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2021/fraud-scams-military-veterans.html?CMP=RDRCT-PRI-FRAUD-110821" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP survey</a></span></span>, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population. These individuals lost more than $267 million in 2021, up from $102 million in 2020 (a 162% increase), according to the<span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/CSN%20Annual%20Data%20Book%202021%20Final%20PDF.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP new resources identify top scams facing the District of Columbia’s military community and offers ways to fight back. Military veterans and active-duty service members are at risk of being targeted by scammers. In response,<b> </b>AARP launched its <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span>, a new online education and resource center to help protect veterans, service members and their families against fraud.<br><br>The data released from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in February 2022 painted a grim picture for the military community, which continues to be among the groups <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/scams-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most preyed upon</a></span></span> by con artists. Based on reports submitted by consumers in 2021, the number of fraud attacks against veterans, military members and their spouses jumped 69 percent compared to the previous year, according to the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2021 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book</a></span></span>. Of those 110,827 reports of fraud, 26 percent resulted in financial losses, which totaled $267 million. Individual victims within the military community reported losing more money than their civilian counterparts, with a median loss of $600, compared to $500 for civilians.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><div class="FullQuote" > <blockquote > "Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and the volunteer state president for AARP District of Columbia. “AARP launched this effort to alert veterans and their families of the latest scams and how to avoid them." </blockquote> </div></div> </div><p><font size="5" color="red"><b><b></b> <b>Top Scams Aimed at Veterans:</b></b></font><br></p><ul><li>Benefit Buyouts: Turning over U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension and/or disability benefits for a supposed lump-sum payment that never materializes (47%).</li><li>Fraudulent records scam: Paying for updated personal military records (32%).</li><li>The fake charitable giving request: Donating to fake veteran charities (32%).</li></ul><p>Free resources in the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span> include:<br></p><ul><li>A <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/home-and-family/voices/veterans/2022/04/watchdog-alert-fraud-handbook-veterans-aarp.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">new AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition</a></span></span>, highlighting tips to detect the most common ways con artists target veterans and military families;</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scam-Tracking Map</a></span></span>; and</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.uspis.gov/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Operation Protect Veterans</a></span></span>—a joint program of the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.</li></ul><p>Some top tips from the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> include: signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking service; using strong and unique passwords for each online account; using two-factor authentication when available; and placing a free security freeze on credit reports at each of the three major credit bureaus. Also, veterans never have to pay for their service records or earned benefits—if told otherwise, it’s a scam.<br><br>To learn more about the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and to download a free copy of the new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter</a></span></span>. For additional resources and information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, including caregiving, competing in today’s job market, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/veterans</a></span></span>.<br><br>More on Veterans<br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/free-coronavirus-resources.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resources to aid veterans, military and families</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2022/racial-disparities-military-community-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans, service members of color grapple with disparities</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/health-benefits-navigator.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP’s Health Benefits Navigator: A tool crucial for veterans, caregivers</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington, DC. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank">AARP Washington, DC</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/strategies-to-help-enhance-your-job-search-washington-dc-3425-1130-am-et-wlnqzyjf954.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-STRATEGIES-TO-HELP-ENHANCE-YOUR-JOB-SEARCH">Strategies to Help Enhance Your Job Search</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Palisades Neighborhood Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/spotting-scams-staying-safe-washington-dc-31125-1100-am-et-wwn4rxy9c4m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SPOTTING-SCAMS-STAYING-SAFE">Spotting Scams & Staying Safe</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Woodridge Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-careversations-washington-dc-31125-600-pm-et-6qnn35mx7fw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CAREVERSATIONS-CARING-FOR-A-LOVED-ONE">AARP CAREversations: Caring for A Loved One</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (Community Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />District of Columbia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:DCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington, DC</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-district-of-columbia-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WASHINGTON-DC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPDC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</title> <meta name="page_title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust" name="description"/> <meta content="New, Resources, Identify, Top, Scams, District, of, Columbia, Military, Community, How, Fight, Back" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington-dc/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back-dc-2022-04-21.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta property="og:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '240925' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '/* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }'include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population. These individuals lost more than $267 million in 2021, up from $102 million in 2020 (a 162% increase), according to the Federal Trade Commission.
AARP new resources identify top scams facing the District of Columbia’s military community and offers ways to fight back. Military veterans and active-duty service members are at risk of being targeted by scammers. In response, AARP launched its AARP Veterans Fraud Center, a new online education and resource center to help protect veterans, service members and their families against fraud.
The data released from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in February 2022 painted a grim picture for the military community, which continues to be among the groups most preyed upon by con artists. Based on reports submitted by consumers in 2021, the number of fraud attacks against veterans, military members and their spouses jumped 69 percent compared to the previous year, according to the 2021 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book. Of those 110,827 reports of fraud, 26 percent resulted in financial losses, which totaled $267 million. Individual victims within the military community reported losing more money than their civilian counterparts, with a median loss of $600, compared to $500 for civilians.
"Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and the volunteer state president for AARP District of Columbia. “AARP launched this effort to alert veterans and their families of the latest scams and how to avoid them."
Top Scams Aimed at Veterans:
Free resources in the AARP Veterans Fraud Center include:
Some top tips from the AARP Fraud Watch Network include: signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking service; using strong and unique passwords for each online account; using two-factor authentication when available; and placing a free security freeze on credit reports at each of the three major credit bureaus. Also, veterans never have to pay for their service records or earned benefits—if told otherwise, it’s a scam.
To learn more about the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and to download a free copy of the new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, visit www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter. For additional resources and information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, including caregiving, competing in today’s job market, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit www.aarp.org/veterans.
More on Veterans
This story is provided by AARP Washington, DC. Visit the AARP Washington, DC page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET
Palisades Neighborhood Library (Large Meeting Room)
Washington, DC
Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET
Woodridge Library (Large Meeting Room)
Washington, DC
Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET
THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (Community Room)
Washington, DC
This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.
Don't miss out, join today and save!
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/21/22 by <b>Scott Wegenast</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>According to an <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2021/fraud-scams-military-veterans.html?CMP=RDRCT-PRI-FRAUD-110821" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP survey</a></span></span>, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population. These individuals lost more than $267 million in 2021, up from $102 million in 2020 (a 162% increase), according to the<span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/CSN%20Annual%20Data%20Book%202021%20Final%20PDF.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP new resources identify top scams facing the District of Columbia’s military community and offers ways to fight back. Military veterans and active-duty service members are at risk of being targeted by scammers. In response,<b> </b>AARP launched its <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span>, a new online education and resource center to help protect veterans, service members and their families against fraud.<br><br>The data released from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in February 2022 painted a grim picture for the military community, which continues to be among the groups <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/scams-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most preyed upon</a></span></span> by con artists. Based on reports submitted by consumers in 2021, the number of fraud attacks against veterans, military members and their spouses jumped 69 percent compared to the previous year, according to the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2021 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book</a></span></span>. Of those 110,827 reports of fraud, 26 percent resulted in financial losses, which totaled $267 million. Individual victims within the military community reported losing more money than their civilian counterparts, with a median loss of $600, compared to $500 for civilians.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><div class="FullQuote" > <blockquote > "Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and the volunteer state president for AARP District of Columbia. “AARP launched this effort to alert veterans and their families of the latest scams and how to avoid them." </blockquote> </div></div> </div><p><font size="5" color="red"><b><b></b> <b>Top Scams Aimed at Veterans:</b></b></font><br></p><ul><li>Benefit Buyouts: Turning over U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension and/or disability benefits for a supposed lump-sum payment that never materializes (47%).</li><li>Fraudulent records scam: Paying for updated personal military records (32%).</li><li>The fake charitable giving request: Donating to fake veteran charities (32%).</li></ul><p>Free resources in the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span> include:<br></p><ul><li>A <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/home-and-family/voices/veterans/2022/04/watchdog-alert-fraud-handbook-veterans-aarp.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">new AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition</a></span></span>, highlighting tips to detect the most common ways con artists target veterans and military families;</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scam-Tracking Map</a></span></span>; and</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.uspis.gov/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Operation Protect Veterans</a></span></span>—a joint program of the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.</li></ul><p>Some top tips from the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> include: signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking service; using strong and unique passwords for each online account; using two-factor authentication when available; and placing a free security freeze on credit reports at each of the three major credit bureaus. Also, veterans never have to pay for their service records or earned benefits—if told otherwise, it’s a scam.<br><br>To learn more about the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and to download a free copy of the new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter</a></span></span>. For additional resources and information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, including caregiving, competing in today’s job market, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/veterans</a></span></span>.<br><br>More on Veterans<br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/free-coronavirus-resources.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resources to aid veterans, military and families</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2022/racial-disparities-military-community-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans, service members of color grapple with disparities</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/health-benefits-navigator.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP’s Health Benefits Navigator: A tool crucial for veterans, caregivers</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington, DC. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank">AARP Washington, DC</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/strategies-to-help-enhance-your-job-search-washington-dc-3425-1130-am-et-wlnqzyjf954.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-STRATEGIES-TO-HELP-ENHANCE-YOUR-JOB-SEARCH">Strategies to Help Enhance Your Job Search</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Palisades Neighborhood Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/spotting-scams-staying-safe-washington-dc-31125-1100-am-et-wwn4rxy9c4m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SPOTTING-SCAMS-STAYING-SAFE">Spotting Scams & Staying Safe</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Woodridge Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-careversations-washington-dc-31125-600-pm-et-6qnn35mx7fw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CAREVERSATIONS-CARING-FOR-A-LOVED-ONE">AARP CAREversations: Caring for A Loved One</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (Community Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />District of Columbia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:DCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington, DC</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-district-of-columbia-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WASHINGTON-DC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPDC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</title> <meta name="page_title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust" name="description"/> <meta content="New, Resources, Identify, Top, Scams, District, of, Columbia, Military, Community, How, Fight, Back" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington-dc/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back-dc-2022-04-21.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta property="og:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/21/22 by <b>Scott Wegenast</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>According to an <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2021/fraud-scams-military-veterans.html?CMP=RDRCT-PRI-FRAUD-110821" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP survey</a></span></span>, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population. These individuals lost more than $267 million in 2021, up from $102 million in 2020 (a 162% increase), according to the<span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/CSN%20Annual%20Data%20Book%202021%20Final%20PDF.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP new resources identify top scams facing the District of Columbia’s military community and offers ways to fight back. Military veterans and active-duty service members are at risk of being targeted by scammers. In response,<b> </b>AARP launched its <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span>, a new online education and resource center to help protect veterans, service members and their families against fraud.<br><br>The data released from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in February 2022 painted a grim picture for the military community, which continues to be among the groups <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/scams-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most preyed upon</a></span></span> by con artists. Based on reports submitted by consumers in 2021, the number of fraud attacks against veterans, military members and their spouses jumped 69 percent compared to the previous year, according to the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2021 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book</a></span></span>. Of those 110,827 reports of fraud, 26 percent resulted in financial losses, which totaled $267 million. Individual victims within the military community reported losing more money than their civilian counterparts, with a median loss of $600, compared to $500 for civilians.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><div class="FullQuote" > <blockquote > "Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and the volunteer state president for AARP District of Columbia. “AARP launched this effort to alert veterans and their families of the latest scams and how to avoid them." </blockquote> </div></div> </div><p><font size="5" color="red"><b><b></b> <b>Top Scams Aimed at Veterans:</b></b></font><br></p><ul><li>Benefit Buyouts: Turning over U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension and/or disability benefits for a supposed lump-sum payment that never materializes (47%).</li><li>Fraudulent records scam: Paying for updated personal military records (32%).</li><li>The fake charitable giving request: Donating to fake veteran charities (32%).</li></ul><p>Free resources in the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span> include:<br></p><ul><li>A <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/home-and-family/voices/veterans/2022/04/watchdog-alert-fraud-handbook-veterans-aarp.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">new AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition</a></span></span>, highlighting tips to detect the most common ways con artists target veterans and military families;</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scam-Tracking Map</a></span></span>; and</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.uspis.gov/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Operation Protect Veterans</a></span></span>—a joint program of the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.</li></ul><p>Some top tips from the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> include: signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking service; using strong and unique passwords for each online account; using two-factor authentication when available; and placing a free security freeze on credit reports at each of the three major credit bureaus. Also, veterans never have to pay for their service records or earned benefits—if told otherwise, it’s a scam.<br><br>To learn more about the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and to download a free copy of the new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter</a></span></span>. For additional resources and information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, including caregiving, competing in today’s job market, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/veterans</a></span></span>.<br><br>More on Veterans<br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/free-coronavirus-resources.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resources to aid veterans, military and families</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2022/racial-disparities-military-community-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans, service members of color grapple with disparities</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/health-benefits-navigator.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP’s Health Benefits Navigator: A tool crucial for veterans, caregivers</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington, DC. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank">AARP Washington, DC</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/strategies-to-help-enhance-your-job-search-washington-dc-3425-1130-am-et-wlnqzyjf954.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-STRATEGIES-TO-HELP-ENHANCE-YOUR-JOB-SEARCH">Strategies to Help Enhance Your Job Search</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Palisades Neighborhood Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/spotting-scams-staying-safe-washington-dc-31125-1100-am-et-wwn4rxy9c4m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SPOTTING-SCAMS-STAYING-SAFE">Spotting Scams & Staying Safe</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Woodridge Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-careversations-washington-dc-31125-600-pm-et-6qnn35mx7fw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CAREVERSATIONS-CARING-FOR-A-LOVED-ONE">AARP CAREversations: Caring for A Loved One</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (Community Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />District of Columbia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:DCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington, DC</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-district-of-columbia-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WASHINGTON-DC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPDC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</title> <meta name="page_title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust" name="description"/> <meta content="New, Resources, Identify, Top, Scams, District, of, Columbia, Military, Community, How, Fight, Back" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington-dc/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back-dc-2022-04-21.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta property="og:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '240925' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '/* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/washington-dc/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Washington, DC</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/washington-dc/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/21/22 by <b>Scott Wegenast</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>According to an <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2021/fraud-scams-military-veterans.html?CMP=RDRCT-PRI-FRAUD-110821" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP survey</a></span></span>, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population. These individuals lost more than $267 million in 2021, up from $102 million in 2020 (a 162% increase), according to the<span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/CSN%20Annual%20Data%20Book%202021%20Final%20PDF.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP new resources identify top scams facing the District of Columbia’s military community and offers ways to fight back. Military veterans and active-duty service members are at risk of being targeted by scammers. In response,<b> </b>AARP launched its <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span>, a new online education and resource center to help protect veterans, service members and their families against fraud.<br><br>The data released from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in February 2022 painted a grim picture for the military community, which continues to be among the groups <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/scams-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most preyed upon</a></span></span> by con artists. Based on reports submitted by consumers in 2021, the number of fraud attacks against veterans, military members and their spouses jumped 69 percent compared to the previous year, according to the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2021 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book</a></span></span>. Of those 110,827 reports of fraud, 26 percent resulted in financial losses, which totaled $267 million. Individual victims within the military community reported losing more money than their civilian counterparts, with a median loss of $600, compared to $500 for civilians.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><div class="FullQuote" > <blockquote > "Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and the volunteer state president for AARP District of Columbia. “AARP launched this effort to alert veterans and their families of the latest scams and how to avoid them." </blockquote> </div></div> </div><p><font size="5" color="red"><b><b></b> <b>Top Scams Aimed at Veterans:</b></b></font><br></p><ul><li>Benefit Buyouts: Turning over U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension and/or disability benefits for a supposed lump-sum payment that never materializes (47%).</li><li>Fraudulent records scam: Paying for updated personal military records (32%).</li><li>The fake charitable giving request: Donating to fake veteran charities (32%).</li></ul><p>Free resources in the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span> include:<br></p><ul><li>A <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/home-and-family/voices/veterans/2022/04/watchdog-alert-fraud-handbook-veterans-aarp.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">new AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition</a></span></span>, highlighting tips to detect the most common ways con artists target veterans and military families;</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scam-Tracking Map</a></span></span>; and</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.uspis.gov/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Operation Protect Veterans</a></span></span>—a joint program of the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.</li></ul><p>Some top tips from the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> include: signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking service; using strong and unique passwords for each online account; using two-factor authentication when available; and placing a free security freeze on credit reports at each of the three major credit bureaus. Also, veterans never have to pay for their service records or earned benefits—if told otherwise, it’s a scam.<br><br>To learn more about the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and to download a free copy of the new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter</a></span></span>. For additional resources and information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, including caregiving, competing in today’s job market, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/veterans</a></span></span>.<br><br>More on Veterans<br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/free-coronavirus-resources.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resources to aid veterans, military and families</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2022/racial-disparities-military-community-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans, service members of color grapple with disparities</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/health-benefits-navigator.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP’s Health Benefits Navigator: A tool crucial for veterans, caregivers</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington, DC. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank">AARP Washington, DC</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/strategies-to-help-enhance-your-job-search-washington-dc-3425-1130-am-et-wlnqzyjf954.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-STRATEGIES-TO-HELP-ENHANCE-YOUR-JOB-SEARCH">Strategies to Help Enhance Your Job Search</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Palisades Neighborhood Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/spotting-scams-staying-safe-washington-dc-31125-1100-am-et-wwn4rxy9c4m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SPOTTING-SCAMS-STAYING-SAFE">Spotting Scams & Staying Safe</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Woodridge Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-careversations-washington-dc-31125-600-pm-et-6qnn35mx7fw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CAREVERSATIONS-CARING-FOR-A-LOVED-ONE">AARP CAREversations: Caring for A Loved One</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (Community Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />District of Columbia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:DCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington, DC</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-district-of-columbia-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WASHINGTON-DC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPDC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</title> <meta name="page_title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust" name="description"/> <meta content="New, Resources, Identify, Top, Scams, District, of, Columbia, Military, Community, How, Fight, Back" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington-dc/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back-dc-2022-04-21.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta property="og:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/21/22 by <b>Scott Wegenast</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>According to an <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2021/fraud-scams-military-veterans.html?CMP=RDRCT-PRI-FRAUD-110821" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP survey</a></span></span>, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population. These individuals lost more than $267 million in 2021, up from $102 million in 2020 (a 162% increase), according to the<span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/CSN%20Annual%20Data%20Book%202021%20Final%20PDF.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP new resources identify top scams facing the District of Columbia’s military community and offers ways to fight back. Military veterans and active-duty service members are at risk of being targeted by scammers. In response,<b> </b>AARP launched its <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span>, a new online education and resource center to help protect veterans, service members and their families against fraud.<br><br>The data released from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in February 2022 painted a grim picture for the military community, which continues to be among the groups <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/scams-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most preyed upon</a></span></span> by con artists. Based on reports submitted by consumers in 2021, the number of fraud attacks against veterans, military members and their spouses jumped 69 percent compared to the previous year, according to the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2021 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book</a></span></span>. Of those 110,827 reports of fraud, 26 percent resulted in financial losses, which totaled $267 million. Individual victims within the military community reported losing more money than their civilian counterparts, with a median loss of $600, compared to $500 for civilians.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><div class="FullQuote" > <blockquote > "Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and the volunteer state president for AARP District of Columbia. “AARP launched this effort to alert veterans and their families of the latest scams and how to avoid them." </blockquote> </div></div> </div><p><font size="5" color="red"><b><b></b> <b>Top Scams Aimed at Veterans:</b></b></font><br></p><ul><li>Benefit Buyouts: Turning over U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension and/or disability benefits for a supposed lump-sum payment that never materializes (47%).</li><li>Fraudulent records scam: Paying for updated personal military records (32%).</li><li>The fake charitable giving request: Donating to fake veteran charities (32%).</li></ul><p>Free resources in the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span> include:<br></p><ul><li>A <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/home-and-family/voices/veterans/2022/04/watchdog-alert-fraud-handbook-veterans-aarp.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">new AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition</a></span></span>, highlighting tips to detect the most common ways con artists target veterans and military families;</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scam-Tracking Map</a></span></span>; and</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.uspis.gov/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Operation Protect Veterans</a></span></span>—a joint program of the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.</li></ul><p>Some top tips from the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> include: signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking service; using strong and unique passwords for each online account; using two-factor authentication when available; and placing a free security freeze on credit reports at each of the three major credit bureaus. Also, veterans never have to pay for their service records or earned benefits—if told otherwise, it’s a scam.<br><br>To learn more about the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and to download a free copy of the new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter</a></span></span>. For additional resources and information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, including caregiving, competing in today’s job market, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/veterans</a></span></span>.<br><br>More on Veterans<br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/free-coronavirus-resources.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resources to aid veterans, military and families</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2022/racial-disparities-military-community-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans, service members of color grapple with disparities</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/health-benefits-navigator.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP’s Health Benefits Navigator: A tool crucial for veterans, caregivers</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington, DC. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank">AARP Washington, DC</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/strategies-to-help-enhance-your-job-search-washington-dc-3425-1130-am-et-wlnqzyjf954.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-STRATEGIES-TO-HELP-ENHANCE-YOUR-JOB-SEARCH">Strategies to Help Enhance Your Job Search</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Palisades Neighborhood Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/spotting-scams-staying-safe-washington-dc-31125-1100-am-et-wwn4rxy9c4m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SPOTTING-SCAMS-STAYING-SAFE">Spotting Scams & Staying Safe</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Woodridge Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-careversations-washington-dc-31125-600-pm-et-6qnn35mx7fw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CAREVERSATIONS-CARING-FOR-A-LOVED-ONE">AARP CAREversations: Caring for A Loved One</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (Community Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />District of Columbia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:DCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington, DC</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-district-of-columbia-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WASHINGTON-DC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPDC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</title> <meta name="page_title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust" name="description"/> <meta content="New, Resources, Identify, Top, Scams, District, of, Columbia, Military, Community, How, Fight, Back" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington-dc/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back-dc-2022-04-21.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta property="og:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '240925' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '/* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/washington-dc/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Washington, DC</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/washington-dc/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/21/22 by <b>Scott Wegenast</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>According to an <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2021/fraud-scams-military-veterans.html?CMP=RDRCT-PRI-FRAUD-110821" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP survey</a></span></span>, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population. These individuals lost more than $267 million in 2021, up from $102 million in 2020 (a 162% increase), according to the<span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/CSN%20Annual%20Data%20Book%202021%20Final%20PDF.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP new resources identify top scams facing the District of Columbia’s military community and offers ways to fight back. Military veterans and active-duty service members are at risk of being targeted by scammers. In response,<b> </b>AARP launched its <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span>, a new online education and resource center to help protect veterans, service members and their families against fraud.<br><br>The data released from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in February 2022 painted a grim picture for the military community, which continues to be among the groups <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/scams-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most preyed upon</a></span></span> by con artists. Based on reports submitted by consumers in 2021, the number of fraud attacks against veterans, military members and their spouses jumped 69 percent compared to the previous year, according to the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2021 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book</a></span></span>. Of those 110,827 reports of fraud, 26 percent resulted in financial losses, which totaled $267 million. Individual victims within the military community reported losing more money than their civilian counterparts, with a median loss of $600, compared to $500 for civilians.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><div class="FullQuote" > <blockquote > "Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and the volunteer state president for AARP District of Columbia. “AARP launched this effort to alert veterans and their families of the latest scams and how to avoid them." </blockquote> </div></div> </div><p><font size="5" color="red"><b><b></b> <b>Top Scams Aimed at Veterans:</b></b></font><br></p><ul><li>Benefit Buyouts: Turning over U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension and/or disability benefits for a supposed lump-sum payment that never materializes (47%).</li><li>Fraudulent records scam: Paying for updated personal military records (32%).</li><li>The fake charitable giving request: Donating to fake veteran charities (32%).</li></ul><p>Free resources in the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span> include:<br></p><ul><li>A <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/home-and-family/voices/veterans/2022/04/watchdog-alert-fraud-handbook-veterans-aarp.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">new AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition</a></span></span>, highlighting tips to detect the most common ways con artists target veterans and military families;</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scam-Tracking Map</a></span></span>; and</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.uspis.gov/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Operation Protect Veterans</a></span></span>—a joint program of the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.</li></ul><p>Some top tips from the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> include: signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking service; using strong and unique passwords for each online account; using two-factor authentication when available; and placing a free security freeze on credit reports at each of the three major credit bureaus. Also, veterans never have to pay for their service records or earned benefits—if told otherwise, it’s a scam.<br><br>To learn more about the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and to download a free copy of the new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter</a></span></span>. For additional resources and information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, including caregiving, competing in today’s job market, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/veterans</a></span></span>.<br><br>More on Veterans<br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/free-coronavirus-resources.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resources to aid veterans, military and families</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2022/racial-disparities-military-community-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans, service members of color grapple with disparities</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/health-benefits-navigator.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP’s Health Benefits Navigator: A tool crucial for veterans, caregivers</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington, DC. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank">AARP Washington, DC</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/strategies-to-help-enhance-your-job-search-washington-dc-3425-1130-am-et-wlnqzyjf954.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-STRATEGIES-TO-HELP-ENHANCE-YOUR-JOB-SEARCH">Strategies to Help Enhance Your Job Search</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Palisades Neighborhood Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/spotting-scams-staying-safe-washington-dc-31125-1100-am-et-wwn4rxy9c4m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SPOTTING-SCAMS-STAYING-SAFE">Spotting Scams & Staying Safe</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Woodridge Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-careversations-washington-dc-31125-600-pm-et-6qnn35mx7fw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CAREVERSATIONS-CARING-FOR-A-LOVED-ONE">AARP CAREversations: Caring for A Loved One</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (Community Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />District of Columbia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:DCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington, DC</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-district-of-columbia-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WASHINGTON-DC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPDC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</title> <meta name="page_title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust" name="description"/> <meta content="New, Resources, Identify, Top, Scams, District, of, Columbia, Military, Community, How, Fight, Back" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington-dc/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back-dc-2022-04-21.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta property="og:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/21/22 by <b>Scott Wegenast</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>According to an <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2021/fraud-scams-military-veterans.html?CMP=RDRCT-PRI-FRAUD-110821" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP survey</a></span></span>, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population. These individuals lost more than $267 million in 2021, up from $102 million in 2020 (a 162% increase), according to the<span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/CSN%20Annual%20Data%20Book%202021%20Final%20PDF.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP new resources identify top scams facing the District of Columbia’s military community and offers ways to fight back. Military veterans and active-duty service members are at risk of being targeted by scammers. In response,<b> </b>AARP launched its <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span>, a new online education and resource center to help protect veterans, service members and their families against fraud.<br><br>The data released from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in February 2022 painted a grim picture for the military community, which continues to be among the groups <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/scams-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most preyed upon</a></span></span> by con artists. Based on reports submitted by consumers in 2021, the number of fraud attacks against veterans, military members and their spouses jumped 69 percent compared to the previous year, according to the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2021 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book</a></span></span>. Of those 110,827 reports of fraud, 26 percent resulted in financial losses, which totaled $267 million. Individual victims within the military community reported losing more money than their civilian counterparts, with a median loss of $600, compared to $500 for civilians.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><div class="FullQuote" > <blockquote > "Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and the volunteer state president for AARP District of Columbia. “AARP launched this effort to alert veterans and their families of the latest scams and how to avoid them." </blockquote> </div></div> </div><p><font size="5" color="red"><b><b></b> <b>Top Scams Aimed at Veterans:</b></b></font><br></p><ul><li>Benefit Buyouts: Turning over U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension and/or disability benefits for a supposed lump-sum payment that never materializes (47%).</li><li>Fraudulent records scam: Paying for updated personal military records (32%).</li><li>The fake charitable giving request: Donating to fake veteran charities (32%).</li></ul><p>Free resources in the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span> include:<br></p><ul><li>A <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/home-and-family/voices/veterans/2022/04/watchdog-alert-fraud-handbook-veterans-aarp.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">new AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition</a></span></span>, highlighting tips to detect the most common ways con artists target veterans and military families;</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scam-Tracking Map</a></span></span>; and</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.uspis.gov/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Operation Protect Veterans</a></span></span>—a joint program of the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.</li></ul><p>Some top tips from the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> include: signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking service; using strong and unique passwords for each online account; using two-factor authentication when available; and placing a free security freeze on credit reports at each of the three major credit bureaus. Also, veterans never have to pay for their service records or earned benefits—if told otherwise, it’s a scam.<br><br>To learn more about the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and to download a free copy of the new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter</a></span></span>. For additional resources and information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, including caregiving, competing in today’s job market, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/veterans</a></span></span>.<br><br>More on Veterans<br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/free-coronavirus-resources.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resources to aid veterans, military and families</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2022/racial-disparities-military-community-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans, service members of color grapple with disparities</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/health-benefits-navigator.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP’s Health Benefits Navigator: A tool crucial for veterans, caregivers</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington, DC. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank">AARP Washington, DC</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/strategies-to-help-enhance-your-job-search-washington-dc-3425-1130-am-et-wlnqzyjf954.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-STRATEGIES-TO-HELP-ENHANCE-YOUR-JOB-SEARCH">Strategies to Help Enhance Your Job Search</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Palisades Neighborhood Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/spotting-scams-staying-safe-washington-dc-31125-1100-am-et-wwn4rxy9c4m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SPOTTING-SCAMS-STAYING-SAFE">Spotting Scams & Staying Safe</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Woodridge Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-careversations-washington-dc-31125-600-pm-et-6qnn35mx7fw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CAREVERSATIONS-CARING-FOR-A-LOVED-ONE">AARP CAREversations: Caring for A Loved One</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (Community Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />District of Columbia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:DCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington, DC</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-district-of-columbia-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WASHINGTON-DC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPDC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</title> <meta name="page_title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust" name="description"/> <meta content="New, Resources, Identify, Top, Scams, District, of, Columbia, Military, Community, How, Fight, Back" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington-dc/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back-dc-2022-04-21.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta property="og:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '240925' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '/* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/washington-dc/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Washington, DC</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/washington-dc/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/21/22 by <b>Scott Wegenast</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>According to an <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2021/fraud-scams-military-veterans.html?CMP=RDRCT-PRI-FRAUD-110821" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP survey</a></span></span>, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population. These individuals lost more than $267 million in 2021, up from $102 million in 2020 (a 162% increase), according to the<span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/CSN%20Annual%20Data%20Book%202021%20Final%20PDF.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP new resources identify top scams facing the District of Columbia’s military community and offers ways to fight back. Military veterans and active-duty service members are at risk of being targeted by scammers. In response,<b> </b>AARP launched its <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span>, a new online education and resource center to help protect veterans, service members and their families against fraud.<br><br>The data released from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in February 2022 painted a grim picture for the military community, which continues to be among the groups <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/scams-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most preyed upon</a></span></span> by con artists. Based on reports submitted by consumers in 2021, the number of fraud attacks against veterans, military members and their spouses jumped 69 percent compared to the previous year, according to the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2021 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book</a></span></span>. Of those 110,827 reports of fraud, 26 percent resulted in financial losses, which totaled $267 million. Individual victims within the military community reported losing more money than their civilian counterparts, with a median loss of $600, compared to $500 for civilians.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><div class="FullQuote" > <blockquote > "Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and the volunteer state president for AARP District of Columbia. “AARP launched this effort to alert veterans and their families of the latest scams and how to avoid them." </blockquote> </div></div> </div><p><font size="5" color="red"><b><b></b> <b>Top Scams Aimed at Veterans:</b></b></font><br></p><ul><li>Benefit Buyouts: Turning over U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension and/or disability benefits for a supposed lump-sum payment that never materializes (47%).</li><li>Fraudulent records scam: Paying for updated personal military records (32%).</li><li>The fake charitable giving request: Donating to fake veteran charities (32%).</li></ul><p>Free resources in the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span> include:<br></p><ul><li>A <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/home-and-family/voices/veterans/2022/04/watchdog-alert-fraud-handbook-veterans-aarp.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">new AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition</a></span></span>, highlighting tips to detect the most common ways con artists target veterans and military families;</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scam-Tracking Map</a></span></span>; and</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.uspis.gov/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Operation Protect Veterans</a></span></span>—a joint program of the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.</li></ul><p>Some top tips from the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> include: signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking service; using strong and unique passwords for each online account; using two-factor authentication when available; and placing a free security freeze on credit reports at each of the three major credit bureaus. Also, veterans never have to pay for their service records or earned benefits—if told otherwise, it’s a scam.<br><br>To learn more about the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and to download a free copy of the new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter</a></span></span>. For additional resources and information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, including caregiving, competing in today’s job market, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/veterans</a></span></span>.<br><br>More on Veterans<br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/free-coronavirus-resources.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resources to aid veterans, military and families</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2022/racial-disparities-military-community-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans, service members of color grapple with disparities</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/health-benefits-navigator.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP’s Health Benefits Navigator: A tool crucial for veterans, caregivers</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington, DC. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank">AARP Washington, DC</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/strategies-to-help-enhance-your-job-search-washington-dc-3425-1130-am-et-wlnqzyjf954.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-STRATEGIES-TO-HELP-ENHANCE-YOUR-JOB-SEARCH">Strategies to Help Enhance Your Job Search</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Palisades Neighborhood Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/spotting-scams-staying-safe-washington-dc-31125-1100-am-et-wwn4rxy9c4m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SPOTTING-SCAMS-STAYING-SAFE">Spotting Scams & Staying Safe</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Woodridge Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-careversations-washington-dc-31125-600-pm-et-6qnn35mx7fw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CAREVERSATIONS-CARING-FOR-A-LOVED-ONE">AARP CAREversations: Caring for A Loved One</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (Community Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />District of Columbia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:DCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington, DC</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-district-of-columbia-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WASHINGTON-DC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPDC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</title> <meta name="page_title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust" name="description"/> <meta content="New, Resources, Identify, Top, Scams, District, of, Columbia, Military, Community, How, Fight, Back" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington-dc/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back-dc-2022-04-21.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta property="og:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/21/22 by <b>Scott Wegenast</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>According to an <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2021/fraud-scams-military-veterans.html?CMP=RDRCT-PRI-FRAUD-110821" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP survey</a></span></span>, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population. These individuals lost more than $267 million in 2021, up from $102 million in 2020 (a 162% increase), according to the<span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/CSN%20Annual%20Data%20Book%202021%20Final%20PDF.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP new resources identify top scams facing the District of Columbia’s military community and offers ways to fight back. Military veterans and active-duty service members are at risk of being targeted by scammers. In response,<b> </b>AARP launched its <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span>, a new online education and resource center to help protect veterans, service members and their families against fraud.<br><br>The data released from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in February 2022 painted a grim picture for the military community, which continues to be among the groups <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/scams-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most preyed upon</a></span></span> by con artists. Based on reports submitted by consumers in 2021, the number of fraud attacks against veterans, military members and their spouses jumped 69 percent compared to the previous year, according to the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2021 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book</a></span></span>. Of those 110,827 reports of fraud, 26 percent resulted in financial losses, which totaled $267 million. Individual victims within the military community reported losing more money than their civilian counterparts, with a median loss of $600, compared to $500 for civilians.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><div class="FullQuote" > <blockquote > "Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and the volunteer state president for AARP District of Columbia. “AARP launched this effort to alert veterans and their families of the latest scams and how to avoid them." </blockquote> </div></div> </div><p><font size="5" color="red"><b><b></b> <b>Top Scams Aimed at Veterans:</b></b></font><br></p><ul><li>Benefit Buyouts: Turning over U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension and/or disability benefits for a supposed lump-sum payment that never materializes (47%).</li><li>Fraudulent records scam: Paying for updated personal military records (32%).</li><li>The fake charitable giving request: Donating to fake veteran charities (32%).</li></ul><p>Free resources in the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span> include:<br></p><ul><li>A <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/home-and-family/voices/veterans/2022/04/watchdog-alert-fraud-handbook-veterans-aarp.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">new AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition</a></span></span>, highlighting tips to detect the most common ways con artists target veterans and military families;</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scam-Tracking Map</a></span></span>; and</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.uspis.gov/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Operation Protect Veterans</a></span></span>—a joint program of the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.</li></ul><p>Some top tips from the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> include: signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking service; using strong and unique passwords for each online account; using two-factor authentication when available; and placing a free security freeze on credit reports at each of the three major credit bureaus. Also, veterans never have to pay for their service records or earned benefits—if told otherwise, it’s a scam.<br><br>To learn more about the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and to download a free copy of the new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter</a></span></span>. For additional resources and information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, including caregiving, competing in today’s job market, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/veterans</a></span></span>.<br><br>More on Veterans<br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/free-coronavirus-resources.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resources to aid veterans, military and families</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2022/racial-disparities-military-community-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans, service members of color grapple with disparities</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/health-benefits-navigator.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP’s Health Benefits Navigator: A tool crucial for veterans, caregivers</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington, DC. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank">AARP Washington, DC</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/strategies-to-help-enhance-your-job-search-washington-dc-3425-1130-am-et-wlnqzyjf954.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-STRATEGIES-TO-HELP-ENHANCE-YOUR-JOB-SEARCH">Strategies to Help Enhance Your Job Search</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Palisades Neighborhood Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/spotting-scams-staying-safe-washington-dc-31125-1100-am-et-wwn4rxy9c4m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SPOTTING-SCAMS-STAYING-SAFE">Spotting Scams & Staying Safe</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Woodridge Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-careversations-washington-dc-31125-600-pm-et-6qnn35mx7fw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CAREVERSATIONS-CARING-FOR-A-LOVED-ONE">AARP CAREversations: Caring for A Loved One</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (Community Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />District of Columbia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:DCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington, DC</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-district-of-columbia-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WASHINGTON-DC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPDC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</title> <meta name="page_title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust" name="description"/> <meta content="New, Resources, Identify, Top, Scams, District, of, Columbia, Military, Community, How, Fight, Back" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington-dc/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back-dc-2022-04-21.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta property="og:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '240925' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '/* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/washington-dc/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Washington, DC</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/washington-dc/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/21/22 by <b>Scott Wegenast</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>According to an <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2021/fraud-scams-military-veterans.html?CMP=RDRCT-PRI-FRAUD-110821" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP survey</a></span></span>, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population. These individuals lost more than $267 million in 2021, up from $102 million in 2020 (a 162% increase), according to the<span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/CSN%20Annual%20Data%20Book%202021%20Final%20PDF.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP new resources identify top scams facing the District of Columbia’s military community and offers ways to fight back. Military veterans and active-duty service members are at risk of being targeted by scammers. In response,<b> </b>AARP launched its <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span>, a new online education and resource center to help protect veterans, service members and their families against fraud.<br><br>The data released from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in February 2022 painted a grim picture for the military community, which continues to be among the groups <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/scams-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most preyed upon</a></span></span> by con artists. Based on reports submitted by consumers in 2021, the number of fraud attacks against veterans, military members and their spouses jumped 69 percent compared to the previous year, according to the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2021 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book</a></span></span>. Of those 110,827 reports of fraud, 26 percent resulted in financial losses, which totaled $267 million. Individual victims within the military community reported losing more money than their civilian counterparts, with a median loss of $600, compared to $500 for civilians.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><div class="FullQuote" > <blockquote > "Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and the volunteer state president for AARP District of Columbia. “AARP launched this effort to alert veterans and their families of the latest scams and how to avoid them." </blockquote> </div></div> </div><p><font size="5" color="red"><b><b></b> <b>Top Scams Aimed at Veterans:</b></b></font><br></p><ul><li>Benefit Buyouts: Turning over U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension and/or disability benefits for a supposed lump-sum payment that never materializes (47%).</li><li>Fraudulent records scam: Paying for updated personal military records (32%).</li><li>The fake charitable giving request: Donating to fake veteran charities (32%).</li></ul><p>Free resources in the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span> include:<br></p><ul><li>A <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/home-and-family/voices/veterans/2022/04/watchdog-alert-fraud-handbook-veterans-aarp.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">new AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition</a></span></span>, highlighting tips to detect the most common ways con artists target veterans and military families;</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scam-Tracking Map</a></span></span>; and</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.uspis.gov/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Operation Protect Veterans</a></span></span>—a joint program of the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.</li></ul><p>Some top tips from the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> include: signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking service; using strong and unique passwords for each online account; using two-factor authentication when available; and placing a free security freeze on credit reports at each of the three major credit bureaus. Also, veterans never have to pay for their service records or earned benefits—if told otherwise, it’s a scam.<br><br>To learn more about the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and to download a free copy of the new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter</a></span></span>. For additional resources and information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, including caregiving, competing in today’s job market, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/veterans</a></span></span>.<br><br>More on Veterans<br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/free-coronavirus-resources.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resources to aid veterans, military and families</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2022/racial-disparities-military-community-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans, service members of color grapple with disparities</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/health-benefits-navigator.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP’s Health Benefits Navigator: A tool crucial for veterans, caregivers</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington, DC. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank">AARP Washington, DC</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/strategies-to-help-enhance-your-job-search-washington-dc-3425-1130-am-et-wlnqzyjf954.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-STRATEGIES-TO-HELP-ENHANCE-YOUR-JOB-SEARCH">Strategies to Help Enhance Your Job Search</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Palisades Neighborhood Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/spotting-scams-staying-safe-washington-dc-31125-1100-am-et-wwn4rxy9c4m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SPOTTING-SCAMS-STAYING-SAFE">Spotting Scams & Staying Safe</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Woodridge Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-careversations-washington-dc-31125-600-pm-et-6qnn35mx7fw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CAREVERSATIONS-CARING-FOR-A-LOVED-ONE">AARP CAREversations: Caring for A Loved One</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (Community Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />District of Columbia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:DCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington, DC</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-district-of-columbia-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WASHINGTON-DC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPDC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</title> <meta name="page_title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust" name="description"/> <meta content="New, Resources, Identify, Top, Scams, District, of, Columbia, Military, Community, How, Fight, Back" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington-dc/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back-dc-2022-04-21.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta property="og:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/21/22 by <b>Scott Wegenast</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>According to an <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2021/fraud-scams-military-veterans.html?CMP=RDRCT-PRI-FRAUD-110821" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP survey</a></span></span>, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population. These individuals lost more than $267 million in 2021, up from $102 million in 2020 (a 162% increase), according to the<span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/CSN%20Annual%20Data%20Book%202021%20Final%20PDF.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP new resources identify top scams facing the District of Columbia’s military community and offers ways to fight back. Military veterans and active-duty service members are at risk of being targeted by scammers. In response,<b> </b>AARP launched its <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span>, a new online education and resource center to help protect veterans, service members and their families against fraud.<br><br>The data released from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in February 2022 painted a grim picture for the military community, which continues to be among the groups <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/scams-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most preyed upon</a></span></span> by con artists. Based on reports submitted by consumers in 2021, the number of fraud attacks against veterans, military members and their spouses jumped 69 percent compared to the previous year, according to the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2021 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book</a></span></span>. Of those 110,827 reports of fraud, 26 percent resulted in financial losses, which totaled $267 million. Individual victims within the military community reported losing more money than their civilian counterparts, with a median loss of $600, compared to $500 for civilians.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><div class="FullQuote" > <blockquote > "Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and the volunteer state president for AARP District of Columbia. “AARP launched this effort to alert veterans and their families of the latest scams and how to avoid them." </blockquote> </div></div> </div><p><font size="5" color="red"><b><b></b> <b>Top Scams Aimed at Veterans:</b></b></font><br></p><ul><li>Benefit Buyouts: Turning over U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension and/or disability benefits for a supposed lump-sum payment that never materializes (47%).</li><li>Fraudulent records scam: Paying for updated personal military records (32%).</li><li>The fake charitable giving request: Donating to fake veteran charities (32%).</li></ul><p>Free resources in the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span> include:<br></p><ul><li>A <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/home-and-family/voices/veterans/2022/04/watchdog-alert-fraud-handbook-veterans-aarp.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">new AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition</a></span></span>, highlighting tips to detect the most common ways con artists target veterans and military families;</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scam-Tracking Map</a></span></span>; and</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.uspis.gov/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Operation Protect Veterans</a></span></span>—a joint program of the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.</li></ul><p>Some top tips from the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> include: signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking service; using strong and unique passwords for each online account; using two-factor authentication when available; and placing a free security freeze on credit reports at each of the three major credit bureaus. Also, veterans never have to pay for their service records or earned benefits—if told otherwise, it’s a scam.<br><br>To learn more about the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and to download a free copy of the new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter</a></span></span>. For additional resources and information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, including caregiving, competing in today’s job market, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/veterans</a></span></span>.<br><br>More on Veterans<br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/free-coronavirus-resources.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resources to aid veterans, military and families</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2022/racial-disparities-military-community-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans, service members of color grapple with disparities</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/health-benefits-navigator.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP’s Health Benefits Navigator: A tool crucial for veterans, caregivers</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington, DC. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank">AARP Washington, DC</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/strategies-to-help-enhance-your-job-search-washington-dc-3425-1130-am-et-wlnqzyjf954.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-STRATEGIES-TO-HELP-ENHANCE-YOUR-JOB-SEARCH">Strategies to Help Enhance Your Job Search</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Palisades Neighborhood Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/spotting-scams-staying-safe-washington-dc-31125-1100-am-et-wwn4rxy9c4m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SPOTTING-SCAMS-STAYING-SAFE">Spotting Scams & Staying Safe</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Woodridge Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-careversations-washington-dc-31125-600-pm-et-6qnn35mx7fw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CAREVERSATIONS-CARING-FOR-A-LOVED-ONE">AARP CAREversations: Caring for A Loved One</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (Community Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />District of Columbia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:DCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington, DC</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-district-of-columbia-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WASHINGTON-DC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPDC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</title> <meta name="page_title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust" name="description"/> <meta content="New, Resources, Identify, Top, Scams, District, of, Columbia, Military, Community, How, Fight, Back" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington-dc/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back-dc-2022-04-21.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta property="og:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '240925' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '/* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/washington-dc/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Washington, DC</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/washington-dc/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/21/22 by <b>Scott Wegenast</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>According to an <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2021/fraud-scams-military-veterans.html?CMP=RDRCT-PRI-FRAUD-110821" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP survey</a></span></span>, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population. These individuals lost more than $267 million in 2021, up from $102 million in 2020 (a 162% increase), according to the<span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/CSN%20Annual%20Data%20Book%202021%20Final%20PDF.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP new resources identify top scams facing the District of Columbia’s military community and offers ways to fight back. Military veterans and active-duty service members are at risk of being targeted by scammers. In response,<b> </b>AARP launched its <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span>, a new online education and resource center to help protect veterans, service members and their families against fraud.<br><br>The data released from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in February 2022 painted a grim picture for the military community, which continues to be among the groups <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/scams-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most preyed upon</a></span></span> by con artists. Based on reports submitted by consumers in 2021, the number of fraud attacks against veterans, military members and their spouses jumped 69 percent compared to the previous year, according to the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2021 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book</a></span></span>. Of those 110,827 reports of fraud, 26 percent resulted in financial losses, which totaled $267 million. Individual victims within the military community reported losing more money than their civilian counterparts, with a median loss of $600, compared to $500 for civilians.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><div class="FullQuote" > <blockquote > "Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and the volunteer state president for AARP District of Columbia. “AARP launched this effort to alert veterans and their families of the latest scams and how to avoid them." </blockquote> </div></div> </div><p><font size="5" color="red"><b><b></b> <b>Top Scams Aimed at Veterans:</b></b></font><br></p><ul><li>Benefit Buyouts: Turning over U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension and/or disability benefits for a supposed lump-sum payment that never materializes (47%).</li><li>Fraudulent records scam: Paying for updated personal military records (32%).</li><li>The fake charitable giving request: Donating to fake veteran charities (32%).</li></ul><p>Free resources in the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span> include:<br></p><ul><li>A <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/home-and-family/voices/veterans/2022/04/watchdog-alert-fraud-handbook-veterans-aarp.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">new AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition</a></span></span>, highlighting tips to detect the most common ways con artists target veterans and military families;</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scam-Tracking Map</a></span></span>; and</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.uspis.gov/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Operation Protect Veterans</a></span></span>—a joint program of the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.</li></ul><p>Some top tips from the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> include: signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking service; using strong and unique passwords for each online account; using two-factor authentication when available; and placing a free security freeze on credit reports at each of the three major credit bureaus. Also, veterans never have to pay for their service records or earned benefits—if told otherwise, it’s a scam.<br><br>To learn more about the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and to download a free copy of the new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter</a></span></span>. For additional resources and information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, including caregiving, competing in today’s job market, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/veterans</a></span></span>.<br><br>More on Veterans<br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/free-coronavirus-resources.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resources to aid veterans, military and families</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2022/racial-disparities-military-community-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans, service members of color grapple with disparities</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/health-benefits-navigator.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP’s Health Benefits Navigator: A tool crucial for veterans, caregivers</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington, DC. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank">AARP Washington, DC</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/strategies-to-help-enhance-your-job-search-washington-dc-3425-1130-am-et-wlnqzyjf954.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-STRATEGIES-TO-HELP-ENHANCE-YOUR-JOB-SEARCH">Strategies to Help Enhance Your Job Search</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Palisades Neighborhood Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/spotting-scams-staying-safe-washington-dc-31125-1100-am-et-wwn4rxy9c4m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SPOTTING-SCAMS-STAYING-SAFE">Spotting Scams & Staying Safe</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Woodridge Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-careversations-washington-dc-31125-600-pm-et-6qnn35mx7fw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CAREVERSATIONS-CARING-FOR-A-LOVED-ONE">AARP CAREversations: Caring for A Loved One</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (Community Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />District of Columbia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:DCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington, DC</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-district-of-columbia-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WASHINGTON-DC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPDC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</title> <meta name="page_title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust" name="description"/> <meta content="New, Resources, Identify, Top, Scams, District, of, Columbia, Military, Community, How, Fight, Back" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington-dc/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back-dc-2022-04-21.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta property="og:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/21/22 by <b>Scott Wegenast</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>According to an <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2021/fraud-scams-military-veterans.html?CMP=RDRCT-PRI-FRAUD-110821" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP survey</a></span></span>, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population. These individuals lost more than $267 million in 2021, up from $102 million in 2020 (a 162% increase), according to the<span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/CSN%20Annual%20Data%20Book%202021%20Final%20PDF.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Federal Trade Commission</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP new resources identify top scams facing the District of Columbia’s military community and offers ways to fight back. Military veterans and active-duty service members are at risk of being targeted by scammers. In response,<b> </b>AARP launched its <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span>, a new online education and resource center to help protect veterans, service members and their families against fraud.<br><br>The data released from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in February 2022 painted a grim picture for the military community, which continues to be among the groups <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/scams-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most preyed upon</a></span></span> by con artists. Based on reports submitted by consumers in 2021, the number of fraud attacks against veterans, military members and their spouses jumped 69 percent compared to the previous year, according to the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2021 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book</a></span></span>. Of those 110,827 reports of fraud, 26 percent resulted in financial losses, which totaled $267 million. Individual victims within the military community reported losing more money than their civilian counterparts, with a median loss of $600, compared to $500 for civilians.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><div class="FullQuote" > <blockquote > "Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and the volunteer state president for AARP District of Columbia. “AARP launched this effort to alert veterans and their families of the latest scams and how to avoid them." </blockquote> </div></div> </div><p><font size="5" color="red"><b><b></b> <b>Top Scams Aimed at Veterans:</b></b></font><br></p><ul><li>Benefit Buyouts: Turning over U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension and/or disability benefits for a supposed lump-sum payment that never materializes (47%).</li><li>Fraudulent records scam: Paying for updated personal military records (32%).</li><li>The fake charitable giving request: Donating to fake veteran charities (32%).</li></ul><p>Free resources in the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Veterans Fraud Center</a></span></span> include:<br></p><ul><li>A <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/home-and-family/voices/veterans/2022/04/watchdog-alert-fraud-handbook-veterans-aarp.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">new AARP Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition</a></span></span>, highlighting tips to detect the most common ways con artists target veterans and military families;</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scam-Tracking Map</a></span></span>; and</li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.uspis.gov/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Operation Protect Veterans</a></span></span>—a joint program of the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.</li></ul><p>Some top tips from the <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> include: signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking service; using strong and unique passwords for each online account; using two-factor authentication when available; and placing a free security freeze on credit reports at each of the three major credit bureaus. Also, veterans never have to pay for their service records or earned benefits—if told otherwise, it’s a scam.<br><br>To learn more about the AARP Veterans Fraud Center and to download a free copy of the new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Veterans’ Edition, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter</a></span></span>. For additional resources and information on AARP’s support for veterans and military families, including caregiving, competing in today’s job market, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/veterans</a></span></span>.<br><br>More on Veterans<br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/free-coronavirus-resources.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resources to aid veterans, military and families</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2022/racial-disparities-military-community-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Veterans, service members of color grapple with disparities</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2021/health-benefits-navigator.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP’s Health Benefits Navigator: A tool crucial for veterans, caregivers</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington, DC. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank">AARP Washington, DC</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/strategies-to-help-enhance-your-job-search-washington-dc-3425-1130-am-et-wlnqzyjf954.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-STRATEGIES-TO-HELP-ENHANCE-YOUR-JOB-SEARCH">Strategies to Help Enhance Your Job Search</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Palisades Neighborhood Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/spotting-scams-staying-safe-washington-dc-31125-1100-am-et-wwn4rxy9c4m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SPOTTING-SCAMS-STAYING-SAFE">Spotting Scams & Staying Safe</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Woodridge Library (Large Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-careversations-washington-dc-31125-600-pm-et-6qnn35mx7fw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CAREVERSATIONS-CARING-FOR-A-LOVED-ONE">AARP CAREversations: Caring for A Loved One</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (Community Room)</p> <p class="loc">Washington, DC</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WASHINGTON-DC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP District of Columbia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />District of Columbia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:DCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington-dc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington, DC</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-district-of-columbia-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WASHINGTON-DC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpdc" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPDC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back</title> <meta name="page_title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust" name="description"/> <meta content="New, Resources, Identify, Top, Scams, District, of, Columbia, Military, Community, How, Fight, Back" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington-dc/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/new-resources-identify-top-scams-for-district-of-columbia-military-community-and-how-to-fight-back-dc-2022-04-21.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="New Resources Identify Top Scams for District of Columbia Military Community and How to Fight Back"/> <meta property="og:description" content="“Targeting scams at members of the military community is unconscionable,” said Ronald Hampton, a veteran and volunteer state president for AARP District"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cfb0a06/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5121x3292+0+62/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7f%2Fd0%2F1b70330f4f899f345c045c576980%2Fgettyimages-672155733.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '240925' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '/* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/washington-dc/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Washington, DC</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/washington-dc/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/washington-dc/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/washington-dc/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118