Protecting Veterans from Pension Poaching

Pension Poaching is a deceitful scam where veterans or survivors who qualify for VA Pension Programs are exploited. These scammers often encourage tactics to artificially qualify for benefits, like hiding assets in trusts or annuities, which can disqualify claimants upon scrutiny of financial transfers within 3 years before filing.

There are common tactics to watch for that are used by scammers:

• Direct Deposit Diversion – Scammers demand that your VA benefits be deposited into their bank account (e.g. caregiver’s account), giving them direct access to your funds.

• False Qualifications for VA Benefits – Fraudsters pose as helpful agents to get you eligible, then charge upfront fees. NOTE: VA does not permit charging fees to file an initial pension claim.

• Misrepresentation as Accredited Professionals – Scammers pretend to be attorneys, claims agents, or financial advisors, tricking you into paying for unnecessary assistance, even before a claim decision.

If the VA later discovers improper financial transfers or ineligibility, you may lose eligibility or be required to repay benefits. Assets may be locked into complex financial products that benefit the scammer, not you, while jeopardizing your access to VA benefits.

Knowledge is power:

• VA does not charge for filing an initial claim. Any fee request is suspicious.

• Ensure your benefits are issued directly to you, never to individuals or third-party accounts.

• Use only VA‑accredited Representatives:

  • Veterans Service Organization (VSO) reps offer initial services at no charge

  • Accredited attorneys/agents may charge fees, but only after a claim decision and with a formal fee agreement on file with VA

• Contact VA National Call Center at 1‑800‑827‑1000 or visit VA.gov/pension for help

If you suspect fraud:

• Report scams or misconduct to the VA OIG Hotline: available via OIG’s website or the VA OIG report hotline

• File complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your State Attorney General’s office

• For cases that have already gone forward, VA OIG continues investigations and collaborates with federal and local law enforcement

Pension-poaching scams are increasingly sophisticated and vulnerable veterans and their survivors are often the target. Staying informed, verifying credentials, and handling benefits only through official VA channels can safeguard you and your loved ones. For actionable tools and illustrations, the official PDF alert offers a fraud toolkit and more indicators worth reviewing at https://www.vaoig.gov/sites/default/files/document/2025-06/pension_poaching_fraud_alert_june_2025_final_to_50p.pdf