North Shore Veterans Warned Of 'Claim Shark' Scam

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — The commander of the Swampscott/Lynn Disabled American Veterans post is cautioning veterans on the North Shore about scammers who are charging fees to submit disability claims, which is a free service through veterans' service agents and DAVs.

"The DAV believes that no veteran should have to pay to file a claim under any circumstance, period," said E.F. Gilmore Commander Jeffrey Blonder. "Yet, there are companies who look at those who have already paid a price through their service and sacrifices as targets to be used to line their own pockets. And they'll do it by emptying veterans' pockets under the guise of claiming they can do what VSOs like DAV can't.

"And they're wrong. With over a century of service to America's disabled veterans, DAV and our fellow VA-accredited VSOs will continue providing assistance to our nation's heroes and their families. And we'll do it at no cost."

Blonder said the Swampscott-Lynn DAV chapter has three service officers who will assist area veterans and their surviving spouses with their claims free of charge.

Those who need assistance in filing claims can contact Blonder at 617-967-6892 or E_F_Gilmore_DAV_Chapter64@yahoo.com.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)