FTC Warns Veterans About Social Media Grant Scams

Scammers are using military details shared on social media to approach veterans with fake grants and investment offers. The Federal Trade Commission warns that these schemes may lead to convincing websites designed to steal Social Security numbers or VA.gov login credentials.

What happened

According to the FTC, scammers review information visible on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, including military history, promotion photos and tagged locations. They then use those details to make an unexpected message sound personal and legitimate.

One version promotes a veteran grant program. The sender may claim to represent the Department of Veterans Affairs and direct the recipient to a realistic-looking website that supposedly checks eligibility. The actual goal is to collect sensitive information, such as a Social Security number or VA.gov username and password.

The FTC says the VA does not contact veterans through social media messages. That makes any account claiming to offer official VA help through a direct message a warning sign, even if its profile, language or website looks professional.

Other scammers create fake profiles, use military terminology and run attention-grabbing video advertisements. Some claim to teach fellow veterans a guaranteed method for beating the stock market. The FTC notes that investments always involve risk, so a promise of guaranteed results should not be trusted.

Who is affected

The warning is aimed primarily at US veterans who use social media to stay connected with former service members, friends and family. Veterans whose profiles reveal past duty stations, promotions, military affiliations or current locations may give scammers details they can use to customize a pitch.

Friends and relatives should also know the warning signs, especially if they help a veteran manage benefits, finances or online accounts. The FTC did not identify a specific social network account or report how many people have lost money or information through these schemes.

What to do now

1. Ignore supposed VA offers sent through social media. Do not reply, provide information or follow a link in the message. The FTC says the VA will not contact you this way.

2. Visit the real service directly. If a message mentions VA benefits or a grant, open a new browser window and type VA.gov yourself instead of using the message’s link.

3. Keep sensitive details out of conversations. Never send your Social Security number or VA.gov login credentials to someone who approached you on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or another social platform.

4. Question profiles that lean heavily on military language. A military-looking photo, familiar terminology or references to veteran service do not prove that the person or organization is genuine.

5. Reject guaranteed investment claims. Do not send money or financial information to someone promising a risk-free or guaranteed way to outperform the stock market.

6. Report the approach. The FTC directs veterans to report targeted scams at VSAFE.gov or by calling 833-38V-SAFE. Preserve the profile name, message and website address so you can include accurate details in the report.