New Scam Is Targeting Veterans, Authorities Say

DALLAS, GA — Veterans' benefits, including their pensions, are being targeted in a new scam that's been making the rounds in the area, authorities say.

The Paulding County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday warned citizens about the scam, which targets elderly retired veterans. Some victims have been "financially destroyed," sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Ashley Henson said in a news release.

The scam involves convincing veterans to transfer their assets into a special trust account, then charging them exorbitant fees to help complete lengthy, complicated paperwork associated with the transfer.

"Sadly, this scam not only is used to bilk these people out of their pensions, but also has ripple effect in other ways, such as losing Medicaid eligibility and other assistance program benefits," Henson said in the release.

As part of the scam, criminals pose as attorneys or financial advisers and extend an offer to assist the veteran with their pension. They try to convince the veteran to put assets into trust accounts or make investments in certain insurance products.

The veteran is told that doing so will qualify them for Aid and Attendance benefits. In reality, doing so can cause the veteran to become ineligible for Medicaid and other health benefits.

In addition, the scammers are charging veterans thousands of dollars for these worthless services and advice.

"Awareness of the scam is the number one best way to prevent it from happening," Henson said in the release. "Be sure to tell all the retired veterans you know of this scam to keep them from being victimized."

The veterans' benefits application process is a free service. There is never a fee to apply and there are many organizations that can help with completion of paperwork and the like.

Any0ne who does decide to hire a financial adviser for help should find a reputable consultant with strong credentials and references.

Anyone with questions, or has been targeted by this scam may call the Paulding County Sheriff's Offce criminal investigation division at 770-443-3015.

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