California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a consumer alert aimed at protecting service members, veterans, and their families from scams that increasingly target the military community. The announcement comes during Military Consumer Month and highlights the rise in fraud complaints affecting this group.
According to data from the Federal Trade Commission, there were over 99,400 fraud complaints filed by military consumers nationwide last year. This marks an increase from about 93,000 reported in 2023. Imposter scams accounted for 44,587 of these cases and resulted in losses exceeding $199 million for affected individuals and their families.
“More and more often, service members, veterans, and their families are targets for predatory scammers promising everything from home loans to jobs, and continuing education. This is absolutely unacceptable. As part of our commitment to protect those who protect us, my office will continue to bring the full force of the law against those who seek to exploit California’s military community,” said Attorney General Bonta. “If you have fallen victim to a scam or suspect fraudulent activity, get help and share your story so that we can help your fellow service members. You can report fraud to your local military or civilian law enforcement agency, or to the California Department of Justice at oag.ca.gov/report.”
Military personnel are frequently targeted because scammers want access to their pay and benefits. Many service members may feel compelled to resolve debts quickly due to concerns about security clearances or career disruptions. Scammers also use impersonation tactics within the close-knit military community.
The consumer alert lists several common scams facing military families:
– Charity scams: Fraudulent charities may use names similar to legitimate organizations or include “veteran” in their name without actually benefiting veterans.
– Predatory schools: Some for-profit institutions target those with GI Bill benefits using high-pressure sales tactics.
– Home loan scams: Fraudsters pose as government agencies or lenders seeking upfront fees or payments redirected away from legitimate servicers.
– Identity theft: Scammers impersonate official agencies like the Department of Defense seeking personal information.
– Job scams: Fake job listings are used as pretexts for stealing personal data or money.
– Pension scams: Senior veterans may be pressured into costly financial products under false pretenses.
– Affinity fraud: Perpetrators pretend affiliation with the military community to build trust before defrauding victims.
– Debt collection threats: Illegal tactics include threatening security clearance revocation or contacting superiors without consent.
– Rental housing scams: Fake rental ads especially target personnel relocating near bases during Permanent Change of Station season.
– Predatory auto sales: Dealers near bases sometimes hide unfavorable terms behind supposed “military deals.”
Attorney General Bonta recommends that service members take time before making major decisions and consult trusted advisors when possible. He also advises checking annual credit reports through www.annualcreditreport.com; placing fraud alerts with credit bureaus if identity theft occurs; reporting suspicious activities directly through official channels; using strong passwords online; monitoring bank statements closely; being cautious about sharing personal information; and signing up for notification programs such as Los Angeles County’s Enhanced Homeowner Notification Program if eligible.
Service members who believe they have been targeted by a scam should contact local police departments or base legal offices immediately. Complaints can also be filed with the Office of the Attorney General at oag.ca.gov/report.
Further information on preventing military-targeted scams is available at oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/military.
