In general, all of these scams try to take advantage of military members by offering to provide a service and then taking your money, while you get nothing in return.
You can learn more about specific scams by visiting the Scams Targeting Service Members or Veterans section of StopFraud.gov....
If you've been the victim of a scam, there are a few ways to file a complaint:
•File a complaint online with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or call them at 1-877-FTC-HELP ( [login to see] ) or [login to see] .
•File a complaint about Internet-related fraud issues with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
StopFraud.gov offers information about how to report financial fraud.
This is nothing new as it has been going on ever since the military has existed pretty much, I can remember all the sham businesses that used to be able to get on installations back in the 80s and 90s that would even go to the barracks and try and hustle Soldiers out of their money.
And look at all the so-called helpful businesses just outside any gate of any military installation, the check cashing places, pawn shops, car dealerships, strip clubs, etc., it is nothing that will continue long past all of us being gone and dust.
It is horrible and will always be a way to scam young and unknowing SMs and sometimes even those seasoned vets who believe in helping out other vets they think they are helping sometimes.
Here is some hard earned wisdom - If you are ever in the position of buying a new home perform multiple inspections before closing. Bring as many people with you as you can get. Mothers, fathers, in laws, brothers, sisters & friends tell them "As we walk through this house there WILL be many problems and issues place help us find them and write them down." Do not be afraid to write down the smallest issue because the builder will try to convince you the house is perfect as is. I have purchased 3 new homes and each and every time it has been the same. My best experience was in SA Texas but the absolute worst experience was in Virginia and after 4 years I am still battling over issues with this builder. Their name might rhyme with K. Govninian, they are slicker than snot on a brass door knob. Another area you must go in with a warriors attitude is buying a new automobile.
Thank You for this heads up. No calls or suspicious emails yet but I am consistently bombarded by telemarketers even though I put my name on the "Do Not Call List". Thanks for your service. I was ARMY for 6 years. Half as a 24K and the other as a 31D. Hawk Missile System and CID Field Officer. Wish I had stayed at least 13 more as I made E-5 in 5 years.
Again, Thanks!
Rick
'Military mistress' who conned 15 soldiers is again wanted for fraud
Bobbi Ann House, 39, who hit headlines in 2010 for marrying at least 14 servicemen and then draining their bank accounts, is now on the run for check fraud with her new husband.