"Veterans Savings Program" Postcard Scam

Overview

Scammers mail veterans official-looking postcards claiming they qualify for extra money through a fake "Veterans Savings Program," name-dropping real VA benefits like CHAMPVA or TRICARE For Life to seem legitimate, and pressuring them to call a number and hand over Social Security and bank details.

How It Works

Fraudsters send physical postcards to veterans that mimic official VA mail, referencing real benefit programs like CHAMPVA or TRICARE For Life and listing the veteran's home state to appear legitimate. The postcard promises "extra money" through a so-called Veterans Savings Program, which does not actually exist, and urges the recipient to call a phone number right away or risk losing out. Once a veteran calls, the scammer on the line pressures them to provide sensitive information such as their Social Security number or bank account details under the guise of processing the "benefit."

Red Flags

• Postcard advertises a "Veterans Savings Program" — a program that does not actually exist
• Message creates urgency, insisting you call right away or lose out on funds
• Request to call an unfamiliar phone number rather than contacting the VA directly
• Caller asks for a Social Security number or bank account information over the phone
• Mail mimics real VA benefit names, like CHAMPVA or TRICARE For Life, to appear more legitimate

Real Examples

• The FTC's own August 2026 consumer alert describes veterans across the country reporting these postcards, confirming the "Veterans Savings Program" named on them does not exist and is being used purely to phish for personal and financial information
• The same FTC alert notes scammers are increasingly pretending to be affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and directs anyone who receives one of these postcards to verify benefits only through a number they already know is real, such as the VA benefits hotline

Where It Spreads

How to Protect Yourself

• Do not call the number printed on the postcard — contact the VA Benefits Hotline directly at 1-800-827-1000 instead
• Never give your Social Security number or bank details to someone who contacted you first
• Remember that legitimate VA communications will not pressure you to respond immediately or share sensitive information over the phone
• Verify any benefit offer by going directly to VA.gov or calling a number you already know is real
• Report suspicious postcards to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the VA at VSAFE.gov or 1-833-38V-SAFE

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