CHICAGO, Ill. — Illinois veterans may be the target of a new scam.
State Attorney General Kwame Raoul is telling vets and their families to watch out for scammers, especially this Veterans Day.
Thanks to the recent passage of the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, or PACT, vets exposed to military toxins are now eligible for monetary compensation or newly expanded benefits from the VA, Raoul warns veterans that they may be targeted due to their eligibility to receive monetary benefits or other VA benefits.
Raoul says unfortunately, the nation’s vets are often victims of fraud, scams and identity theft, resulting in losses of $177 million nationally last year.
Raoul says most government agencies, like the VA, will initiate contact through official letters by mail, not by phone, email, text or direct messaging on social media.
Raoul adds, “do not send payments by wire transfers or gift cards, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
Illinois veterans and their family members are encouraged to visit Raoul’s website or check the free Benefits for Illinois Veterans Guide for more information.
A link to the Illinois Attorney General’s website is HERE.
