By Amy Kirby - VA Senior Program Analyst, Benefits Delivery Protection &amp; Remediation


There is a new&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/?s=scams" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">scam&nbsp;</a>targeting Veterans. The latest tactic involves sending fraudulent postcards claiming you (or your spouse) are entitled to &ldquo;extra VA benefits&rdquo; or additional payments, including CHAMPVA, TRICARE, and dental coverage, regardless of a VA disability rating. Don&rsquo;t fall for it.
These scammers claim to be affiliated with VA. They might instill a sense of urgency, pressuring you to contact them as soon as possible, or within five days. Their goal is to get you to call the number provided. Once you do, they will often use flattery and praise regarding your military service to gain trust. The scammer will attempt to obtain personal identifying information like your Social Security Number, bank account details or other sensitive information.
Never give this information over the phone or on the internet.
VA is monitoring the situation and urges you to remain vigilant against these fraudulent attempts to steal personal identifying information. You can help stop them:
<ul><li>Refuse to engage.</li><li>Do not call unverified numbers.</li><li>Hang up immediately if you are contacted by unsolicited numbers.</li></ul>
<h2>Common scam tactics</h2>
<ul><li>Unsolicited postcards, emails, texts or social media messages: Scammers will send communication claiming you qualify for extra VA benefits</li><li>Fake authority on calls or emails: Scammers may pretend to be VA officials and claim there&rsquo;s a problem with your benefits or account.</li><li>Phishing attacks: Scammers may send emails or text messages that appear legitimate but are designed to steal personal information through malicious links or attachments.</li><li>Payment requests: Scammers might demand payment using unconventional and untraceable payment methods, such as gift cards, wire transfers, bitcoin or prepaid debit cards.</li><li>Social media interactions: Scammers may try to build trust through social media messages or friend requests, only to exploit that trust for their own financial gain.</li></ul>
<h2>How to protect yourself</h2>
<ul><li>Never share any personal or financial information with unverified contacts.</li><li>Don&rsquo;t act on urgent requests from people you don&rsquo;t know. Legitimate VA communications will not pressure you to respond immediately or provide sensitive information.</li><li>If you receive a suspicious postcard, email, text or call, do not call the number provided or click on any links.</li><li>Always verify the sender&rsquo;s identity; when in doubt, call VA directly at 1-800-827-1000.</li><li>Be cautious on social media. Ignore friend requests or messages from people you don&rsquo;t know or recognize.</li></ul>
<h2>If something seems wrong</h2>
If you miss a VA benefits payment, notice a discrepancy, or suspect suspicious activity with your direct deposit, contact VA right away at&nbsp;1-800-827-1000. If you suspect you have experienced fraud, you can find out more and report to the appropriate agency at VSAFE.gov or by calling 1-833-38V-SAFE.
<h2>Don&rsquo;t fall for these scams!</h2>
Staying vigilant and recognizing the warning signs is the best way to keep your personal information safe. For more information on how to protect yourself, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/137340/national-identity-theft-prevention-awareness-month-protecting-veterans-and-their-families/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">VA News</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/fraud-prevention.asp" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">VBA&rsquo;s fraud prevention</a>&nbsp;online.
Your information and your benefits are valuable. Let&rsquo;s work together to outsmart scammers and keep your hard-earned benefits secure.Additional Veterans resources:
<ul><li>VA News article: <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/news.va.gov/147334/veterans-savings-program-postcard-scam/__;!!EAPaXxOOW7smCwU!hxvG3ecg3MpqcbuKRgLbVazaiPM7gWgxea6IxdqSqMyTxetMRVlpf9-dKYMcQABBZ6O_IqatWikVVZ5z%24" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Fraud Alert: Beware the &ldquo;Veterans Savings Program&rdquo; Postcard Scam</a></li><li>SITREP video: <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWCtgGJg6dc__;!!EAPaXxOOW7smCwU!hxvG3ecg3MpqcbuKRgLbVazaiPM7gWgxea6IxdqSqMyTxetMRVlpf9-dKYMcQABBZ6O_IqatWrhT76xb%24" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">$185 Veteran Benefits Scam Everyone Needs to Know About | VA Benefits | CHAMPVA | theSITREP</a></li><li>Deputy Secretary Paul Lawerence&rsquo;s Fraud Alert <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xliFWe3amE__;!!EAPaXxOOW7smCwU!hxvG3ecg3MpqcbuKRgLbVazaiPM7gWgxea6IxdqSqMyTxetMRVlpf9-dKYMcQABBZ6O_IqatWpsRCUCt%24" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">video</a></li></ul>

Tolland County

Jay Kenney

Hartford Metropolitan Area

Ellington-Somers

Connecticut

Fraud alert: Beware the “Veterans Savings...

By Amy Kirby - VA Senior Program Analyst, Benefits Delivery Protection & Remediation...

Fraud alert: Beware the “Veterans Savings Program” postcard scam

Salsa Saturday at the Ellington Farmers Market 
September 5th | 9AM&ndash;12PM | 72 Maple St
The tomato harvest is bountiful and our industrious farmers are making the most of it! This Saturday, it's a salsa lover's dream, with flavors ranging from mild to fiery and traditional to unexpected. Come sample a variety of salsas from our vendors and find your new favorite.
Feeling inspired to make your own? Pick up the best local produce at the market to whip up fresh salsa at home.
Topping it all off, Steal N Eazy will be rocking the market all morning long with live music to keep the energy going.
Come taste, shop, and enjoy the sounds &mdash; see you Saturday!
Saturday, September 5th | 9am&ndash;noon | Market Park, 72 Maple St, Ellington

Salsa Saturday at the Ellington Farmers Market

Salsa Saturday at the Ellington Farmers Market...

Meet Your Community Organizations Day at the Ellington Farmers MarketCome learn about all the great work happening right here in our community and discover how you can get involved! This Saturday, we're welcoming a variety of local community organizations to Market Park, where you can connect directly with the people and programs making a difference in our region.And of course, it's still market day! Browse 50+ vendors offering the best of local and fresh produce, meat, dairy, eggs, baked goods, prepared foods, artisanal sauces, and so much more.Whether you're here to shop, sample, or connect with a local organization, there's something for everyone. See you there!Saturday, August 29th | 9am&ndash;noon | Market Park, 72 Maple St, Ellington

Meet Your Community Organizations Day at the...

Meet Your Community Organizations Day at the Ellington Farmers MarketCome learn about all the great work happening right here in our community and...

Meet Your Community Organizations Day at the Ellington Farmers Market

Join us on Saturday, August 22nd from 9am to noon at Market Park, 72 Maple St in Ellington for Summer's Sweetest Days. This market is dedicated to everything sweet, sunny, and simple about summer in a small town.Come find sweet local fruit fresh from the farm, delicious baked goods from our talented local bakers, and a beautiful selection of honey, maple syrup, and jam to bring a little extra sweetness home with you. Add in the warmth of a small town Saturday, the hum of good conversation, and the kind of community connection that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie, and you have yourself a truly perfect morning.Bring your family, bring your friends, and come soak up one of summer's sweetest days with us.Saturday, August 22nd | 9am&ndash;noon | Market Park, 72 Maple St, Ellington, CT

Summer's Sweetest Days at the Ellington Farmers...

Join us on Saturday, August 22nd from 9am to noon at Market Park, 72 Maple St in Ellington for Summer's Sweetest Days. This market is dedicated to...

Summer's Sweetest Days at the Ellington Farmers Market

We specialize in window &amp; door screen repair and installation. We come to you, no drop off required. Call or text (860)372-0280.&nbsp; We provide screen services in Connecticut including Ellington, Tolland, Somers, Enfield, Manchester, East Windsor, Windsor, Stafford, Vernon, Rockville, West Hartford, &amp; more!&nbsp;

Window Screen Repair/Installation

We specialize in window & door screen repair and installation. We come to you, no drop off required. Call or text (860)372-0280. We provide screen...

The Ellington Historical Society invites local business and organization to be part of the annual Fall Festival at the historic Nellie McKnight Museum!
Saturday, September 19, 2026 9:00 a.m. &ndash; 1:00 p.m. Rain Date: Saturday, September 26
Each year, families from throughout the community visit the museum to celebrate the arrival of fall with hands-on activities, local history, and seasonal fun. Whether it's a simple craft, game, educational activity, or interactive demonstration, participation helps make this a memorable event for local families while showcasing organization and businesses to the community.
The Ellington Historical Society will once again provide everything children need to make their own scarecrow, one of the most popular Fall Festival traditions. Additional activities will include a chance to visit a monster truck, explore the museum, and enjoy a morning filled with family-friendly fun.
There is no fee to participate&mdash;the goal is simply to bring together community organizations and businesses to create a fun and engaging experience for children and families.
If your organization or business would like to participate by providing an activity please send an email to <a href="mailto:info@ellingtonhistsoc.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">info@ellingtonhistsoc.org</a>.

Showcase Your Organization or Business at...

The Ellington Historical Society invites local business and organization to be part of the annual Fall Festival at the historic Nellie McKnight...

Showcase Your Organization or Business at Ellington Historical Society Annual Fall Festival

Join us on Saturday, August 15th from 9am to noon at Market Park, 72 Maple St in Ellington for our Youth Market - a morning dedicated to celebrating our community's youngest entrepreneurs. Alongside our seasoned regular vendors, you'll find young creators sharing their very own products with the community that raised them.
Come out and support the next generation of farmers and makers as they take their first steps into entrepreneurship. Every purchase is a vote of confidence in a young person's hard work and creativity.
And of course, all of your favorite regular vendors will be there too, offering the freshest local produce, food, and goods the season has to offer.
Come enjoy a beautiful Saturday morning at the market while cheering on the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
Saturday, August 15th | 9am&ndash;noon | Market Park, 72 Maple St, Ellington, CT

Youth Market at the Ellington Farmers Market

Join us on Saturday, August 15th from 9am to noon at Market Park, 72 Maple St in Ellington for our Youth Market - a morning dedicated to...

&#127926; Going to the market - gonna eat a lot of peaches... &#127926;
Please join us on Saturday, August 8th from 9am to noon at Market Park, 72 Maple St in Ellington for our annual Peach Festival!
Come find fresh CT grown peaches at their sweetest and juiciest, straight from the farms that grew them. Then let our incredible vendors do the rest. Treat yourself to LuAnn's fresh baked peach shortcake, browse peach jams and baked goods, and discover plenty of other peachy keen surprises from your local makers who pour their hearts into everything they create.
The Rolangs will keep your spirits up and your toes tapping throughout the morning with their talented renditions of modern classics.
Kids of all ages are invited to enjoy free face painting courtesy of the wonderful volunteers with the Ellington High School Art Department. Plus the Kids Power of Produce Club is ongoing and free for kids ages 5 to 12.
As always, we are proudly doubling SNAP and FMNP benefits at the market pavillion.
Don't settle for ordinary &mdash; shop the best of local and fresh. We hope to see you there!
Saturday, August 8th | 9am&ndash;noon | Market Park, 72 Maple St, Ellington, CT

Peach Festival at the Ellington Farmers Market

🎶 Going to the market - gonna eat a lot of peaches... 🎶...

Chris Dehnel

Tolland

Hartford County

Enfield

Stafford-Willington

Vernon

Windsor Locks-East Windsor

South Windsor

Suffield

Manchester

Windsor

Mansfield-Storrs

Don’t miss this end-of-summer family festival! It’s a perfect day out for the whole family. Come enjoy: • Food Trucks &amp; Vendors • Animal Encounters • Pony &amp; Horse Rides 11am-1pm • Bounce Houses • Children's Craft Stations • Live Music • Children’s Games and Activities • A Full Day of Family Fun!FREE PARKING &amp; FREE ADMISSION! Saturday, August 29, 2026, 9am-5pmFormerly known as Farm Day, this fun-filled, day-long annual fundraiser for Lutz Children's Museum has brought the community together since 1998. It’s a perfect day out for the whole family.Interested in vending? Contact cacanto@lutzmuseum.org Interested in becoming a Sponsor? Contact cmazur@lutzmuseum.orgInterested in volunteering? Please visit: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/2sdupezr" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">tinyurl.com/2sdupezr</a>

Local Event: FAMILY FEST by Lutz Children's Museum

FAMILY FEST by Lutz Children's Museum

Don’t miss this end-of-summer family festival! It’s a perfect day out for the whole family. Come enjoy: • Food Trucks & Vendors...

Tolland Green

🎨 The Art Market is coming to the Tolland Green Farmer’s Market! 🎨
Join us Sunday, August 30th from 10 AM–1 PM for a special market celebrating local farms, local food, and local art right here on the Green.
Along with all of your favorite farmers and food vendors, this week we’re shining a spotlight on an incredible group of local artists and makers. Browse handmade jewelry, ceramics, nature inspired paintings stickers and cards, photography, original artwork, soaps, wooden bowls and boards, stone art, gaming-inspired art and more while meeting the talented people behind the work.
We’re also excited to have Arts of Tolland joining in the fun! They’ll be hosting an open house for the duration of the market, featuring their incredibly talented artist for the month of September, David Grable. His medium is pencil on clay board. Be sure to stop in, explore the Arts Center, and see his work while you’re visiting the market.
And of course, this is still your farmers market! Stock up on fresh vegetables, corn, tomatoes, fruit, cut flowers, microgreens, honey, jams, jellies, pickles, locally raised meat, sourdough breads, bagels, fresh-pressed juices and plenty more.
Saults original will be there for lunch, too!
We accept WIC, SNAP &amp; FMNP, and you can visit the Ag Community Table to DOUBLE your benefits.
📍 Tolland Green Farmer’s Market
🎨 The Art Market
📅 Sunday, August 30th
⏰ 10 AM–1 PM
Come spend your Sunday supporting the farmers, artists, makers and small businesses that make our community such a special place. 🌻🎨🌿

Local Event: Tolland Green Farmer's Market Art Market

Tolland Green Farmer's Market Art Market

🎨 The Art Market is coming to the Tolland Green Farmer’s Market! 🎨
Join us Sunday, August 30th from 10 AM–1 PM for a special...

Superior Screening LLC is a professional screen repair and i

Superior Screening LLC

Superior Screening LLC is a professional screen repair and installation service based in Ellington, Connecticut. Established in 2025, the company provides convenient mobile on-site services to residential homes and apartment complexes throughout the local area. By bringing their expertise directly to the client, they eliminate the need for customers to drop off their screens for maintenance. The business specializes in a comprehensive range of screen solutions, including repairs for windows, doors, and patios. Whether addressing small tears or performing complete replacements, they offer expert craftsmanship to restore functionality to your home. Additionally, they provide custom fabrication services, taking precise measurements to construct new, perfectly fitted screens for windows that currently lack them. Customers can expect a streamlined experience focused on quality results and professional service. You can easily reach the team to discuss your specific needs or schedule an appointment by calling or texting 860-372-0280.

Superior Screening LLC is a professional screen repair and installation service based in Ellington, Connecticut. Established in 2025, the company...

Talaga Construction - Building the Future, Brick by Brick

Talaga Construction

More than just construction Discover the legacy of Talaga Construction. With over 50 years of experience, Butch has established a rock-solid reputation in masonry. Learn more about our commitment to quality and dependable service for homeowners and businesses in Manchester, Connecticut, and beyond. A foundation built on experience At Talaga Construction, our foundation is built on decades of hands-on experience. Butch's expertise in masonry is the cornerstone of our commitment to delivering exceptional results. We serve both homeowners and businesses, providing reliable and high-quality construction services. Our promise to you When you choose Talaga Construction, you're choosing a partner you can count on. We approach every project, whether it's masonry or concrete, with unwavering dedication to quality and reliability. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We serve both homeowners and businesses in Manchester and the surrounding areas. Specializing in masonry and concrete Talaga Construction specializes in masonry and concrete projects, ensuring structural integrity and lasting beauty. From intricate brickwork to durable concrete foundations, we bring expertise and precision to every job. Explore our portfolio to see examples of our quality craftsmanship.

More than just construction Discover the legacy of Talaga Construction. With over 50 years of experience, Butch has established a rock-solid...

Spring is coming so come by and get your nails done!

Vernon Nails

Hello Vernon, we're the new owners of Vernon Nails located right across from Vernon Pizza. We're a small nail salon offering many fume-free services. We've got over 20 years of experience in this business and are excited to provide our service to the Vernon Community! Visit our google page and give us a call!

Hello Vernon, we're the new owners of Vernon Nails located right across from Vernon Pizza. We're a small nail salon offering many fume-free...

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