MilConsumer Blog Feed

Military Consumer Month is over, but that doesn’t mean our work is done! Scams will evolve and change, and they often follow the headlines. Military Consumer’s email updates can fill you in on the latest. If you missed this month’s posts about imposters, check the Military Consumer blog to learn more about scammers who pretend to be your distressed family member , an online love interest , a government official , a tech support worker , or a...

You get a text, call, or email from someone who says they’re with the government. They may claim to be a U.S. Marshal, saying you must pay a fine for missing jury duty. Or the IRS, saying that you owe thousands in back taxes. Some might threaten legal action, deportation, or arrest if you don’t pay up or give them your financial information. In other cases, it sounds less scary and more like your lucky day. The call, text, or email will say you...

Hawaii is home to 47,000 active duty servicemembers and 5,500 National Guard personnel—many of whom face unique challenges because of permanent changes of station. To help them as they transition to living in Hawaii, the state’s Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) offers the Military Consumer Fraud Guide . Looking to buy a used car in the state? Need to make home repairs? The Guide offers helpful tips specific to military personnel...

Many military families move every few years. For spouses and other family members, finding a new job after relocation can be a challenge. Websites can help you find work, but scammers also use these sites to find people to rip off. Do you look for work on caregiver/nanny job sites? Sometimes scammers will offer a job but say you need to buy supplies or other equipment. They pressure you to act quickly, before you have time to think. They send you...

Military life comes with its share of changes, like deployments and permanent change of station (PCS) moves. And these changes may, at times, make it difficult to honor financial and legal commitments that were made prior to joining the military. The Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides “protections for servicemembers in the event that legal or financial transactions adversely affect their rights during military or uniformed service,”...

Would you donate to a charity called Help the Vets? What about if you get a robocall that asks you to donate your car to “Veterans of America?” Unfortunately, just because the word “veterans” is in the name, it doesn’t mean that an organization actually helps veterans. For example, Help the Vets didn’t help disabled and wounded veterans as they said they would. And, the FTC sued Veterans of America alleging that the organization wasn’t a charity...

You’re working on your computer when, suddenly, a message pops up on the screen: “Virus detected! Call now for a free security scan and to repair your device.” That’s a tech support scam. Don’t call, text, or email. Legit tech support companies don’t operate that way. Scammers pose as big-name companies and use pop-up messages, fake websites, and phone calls to trick you into thinking your computer has an urgent problem. Their plan is to get your...

While plenty of successful relationships begin online, scammers also use online dating sites, apps, and chat rooms to trick you into sending them money. These imposters create fake profiles to build online relationships, and eventually convince people to send money in the name of love. Some even make wedding plans before disappearing with the money. It’s a big problem: reports to the FBI about online romance scams tripled between 2012 and 2016...

“I was headed home on leave but I lost my wallet and military ID. I’m stranded — please wire money.” “Your grandson is being held in jail. He needs bail money right away.” Scammers try to trick you into thinking a loved one is in trouble. They call, text, email, or send messages on social media about a supposed emergency with a family member or friend. They ask you to send money immediately. T o make their story seem real, they may claim to be an...

The Fourth of July is an important day for all Americans, and can have even more significance to those who have served in the armed services. Perhaps you’re getting together with family and friends, picking up miniature American flags for the backyard, and deciding on your favorite barbecue treats. As military families prepare to celebrate Independence Day, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants to remind everyone to celebrate...