In recognition of National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, observed this week, Attorney General Dave Sunday is honoring Pennsylvania’s veterans while warning them to remain vigilant against scammers targeting the veteran community.

Veterans are often targeted by so-called “claim predators” – individuals or companies that charge for services provided free through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or pressure veterans into signing over a portion of their earned benefits.

“Pennsylvania’s veterans have sacrificed for our nation, and they should be honored, not preyed upon,” Attorney General Sunday said. “I encourage veterans and their loved ones to be aware of services they are entitled to free of charge, so they do not fall for one of these scams.”

Predatory companies frequently promise faster claims processing or higher disability ratings in exchange for unlawful fees, using aggressive phone calls, emails, or text messages to pressure veterans into unfavorable contracts.

Veterans should be cautious of the following red flags:

• High fees for filing initial VA benefit claims.
• Promises of expedited claims or guaranteed disability rating.
• Pressure to sign contracts for initial claims assistance.

Veterans can verify whether a representative is properly accredited by using the VA’s Office of General Counsel Accreditation Search Tool. For assistance with filing claims, veterans are encouraged to contact their County Director of Veterans Affairs, where certified Veteran Service Officers are available in every Pennsylvania county at no cost. Attorneys may only charge fees when handling appeals from denied claims.

Veterans who believe they may have been targeted by a scam are encouraged to report the activity to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.