Safeguarding Our Heroes: A Focus on Military Consumer Month

July marks Military Consumer Month, a time dedicated to spotlighting and strengthening the consumer protections available to our nation's service members and their families. While all consumers face risks in the marketplace, military families unfortunately bear a disproportionate burden when it comes to being targeted by scams, fraud, and identity theft. Their unique circumstances often create vulnerabilities that predatory individuals and organizations are quick to exploit.

One of the most significant factors contributing to this heightened risk is the transient nature of military life. On average, active-duty families relocate every 2.5 years. With over 400,000 service members receiving Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders annually, these frequent transitions offer ripe opportunities for bad actors—individuals or groups who intentionally seek to cause harm or disruption, often for their own financial gain. The chaos and stress of moving, establishing new routines, and finding new services can make it harder for military families to identify and resist fraudulent schemes.

What are the Most Common Threats to Military Consumers?

It's crucial to elevate awareness of the potential risks to military consumers and to equip them with the knowledge and resources necessary to protect themselves from harmful, and sometimes life-altering, situations. While scams come in many forms, some of the most frequent and damaging targeting service members include romance scams, VA benefit scams, and real estate fraud.

Romance Scams: These emotionally manipulative schemes often involve scammers posing as service members overseas, building relationships online, and then asking for money for various fabricated emergencies or travel expenses. The emotional toll of these scams, coupled with financial losses, can be devastating.

VA Benefit Scams: Scammers frequently attempt to defraud veterans and their families by offering assistance with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, often charging exorbitant fees for services that are free or low-cost through legitimate channels. They may also try to access personal information to steal your benefits or identity.

Real Estate Fraud: Given the frequent moves, military families are particularly susceptible to real estate scams, including fake rental listings, fraudulent home sales, or schemes involving predatory lending practices. These scams can result in significant financial losses and housing insecurity.

What Can I Do to Protect Myself From Scams?

The key to safeguarding yourself and your family lies in vigilance and informed decision-making. Following these tips below is a great start to staying safe in the digital world.

Be Mindful and Skeptical: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Approach unsolicited communications with a healthy dose of skepticism.

Confirm Legitimacy: Before providing any sensitive information, such as your Social Security Number, bank account details, or military ID number, always independently verify the legitimacy of the sender or contact. Don't rely on the contact information provided by the person or organization reaching out to you; find official contact details through trusted sources.

Secure Your Information: Protect your personal and financial information as you would your most valuable possessions. Be cautious about what you share on social media, as scammers often use publicly available information to tailor their attacks.

Educate Yourself: Understanding the common tactics used by scammers is your best defense. The more you know, the better equipped you'll be to spot and avoid fraudulent schemes.

Resources for Protection

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a leading resource for consumer protection and offers invaluable information specifically tailored for military consumers. To learn more about how to protect yourself and your family from scams, fraud, and identity theft, visit their website.

By dedicating some time to increased awareness and education, we can all be more vigilant, and you brave men and women in uniform and your families can navigate the consumer landscape safely and confidently, ensuring you are protected as you protect us.

At WeSalute, we stand in unwavering support of this mission. As a registered Public Benefit Corporation, WeSalute is committed to serving the military community with integrity and transparency. We actively seek out and verify new discounts, ensuring you always have access to valuable savings and benefits that truly help. But we are more than just discounts; WeSalute is committed to being your one-stop resource, ensuring that you and your family receive the comprehensive support and recognition you deserve. Together, we can build a safer, more secure future for those who serve.